Hugh Grant, the renowned actor, has made a strong statement regarding Prince Harry’s recent settlement with a tabloid publisher, asserting that the agreement does not uncover the ‘real truth’ behind the matter. Grant is calling for the UK police to launch a criminal investigation into Rupert Murdoch’s News Group Newspapers following Prince Harry’s legal victory against the publisher. The Duke of Sussex had sued NGN over allegations of illegal information gathering and targeting by The Sun and the now-defunct News of the World between 1996 and 2011.
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The settlement between Prince Harry and NGN, which involved a substantial eight-figure sum in damages and a full apology, notably did not include apologies from specific senior executives at the company during the period in question. Grant, who had previously sued and settled a privacy claim against NGN, argues that a civil case is insufficient in revealing the full extent of the truth. He is adamant that further action needs to be taken to bring to light the injustices committed.
During an interview on BBC Radio 4’s Today program, Grant expressed his belief that the ongoing efforts to prevent matters from being scrutinised in court have cost the tabloids a significant sum of money, suggesting they fear potential judicial findings that could lead to a fresh criminal investigation. He underscored the importance of holding those in leadership accountable, highlighting the disparity in consequences between lower-level employees and the individuals overseeing such practices.
Grant contended that many former employees of the tabloids have recognised the wrongdoing and switched sides, acknowledging the severity of their actions and the repercussions they faced, including imprisonment, job loss, and financial penalties. However, he emphasised the necessity of addressing those who orchestrated and sanctioned such unethical behaviour, implying that their impunity is a glaring injustice that must be rectified through comprehensive investigative measures.
In addition to pushing for a criminal inquiry into NGN, Grant suggested that Britain’s Crown Protection Service should also intervene in the matter, signalling the broad scope of accountability he envisions. The actor’s stance reflects a growing sentiment towards holding media entities responsible for their actions, especially when they infringe upon individuals’ privacy and exploit their personal lives for profit.
By speaking out against the perceived inadequacy of Prince Harry’s settlement with the tabloid publisher, Hugh Grant has amplified the call for justice and transparency in the media industry. His advocacy for a thorough investigation into the practices of NGN underscores the importance of upholding ethical standards and ensuring accountability for any breaches of privacy and integrity. Grant’s unwavering stance serves as a reminder that the pursuit of truth and justice should not be compromised, even in the face of powerful media conglomerates.
As the debate surrounding tabloid ethics and accountability continues to unfold, Grant’s vocal criticism of the current settlement highlights the complexities and challenges inherent in seeking redress for media misconduct. His call for comprehensive action underscores the need for systemic reforms and regulatory oversight to prevent similar transgressions in the future. In a landscape where privacy and truth are increasingly commodified, Grant’s advocacy stands as a testament to the enduring values of integrity and transparency in media reporting.