David Furnish calls alleged phone hacks of him and Elton John ‘an abomination’ | David Furnish
A legal battle is unfolding in London’s High Court involving Sir Elton John, his husband David Furnish, Prince Harry, and several other high-profile figures against Associated Newspapers Ltd (ANL), the publisher of the Daily Mail. The claimants allege unlawful information gathering tactics were used to obtain stories.
Claims of Unlawful Information Gathering
David Furnish testified that he and Elton John felt “violated” by the alleged actions of the Daily Mail, claiming their phone calls and personal details were intercepted through the work of private detectives. Furnish described the publication of “judgmental and narrow-minded” stories about them as an attempt to undermine their lives, and stated that discovering these stories were potentially sourced from illegally obtained information was an “abomination.”
Evidence and Allegations
Furnish stated he was alerted to potential unlawful tactics by actor Elizabeth Hurley in February 2021. The couple alleges unlawful information gathering was used in connection with ten articles published between 2000 and 2015, as well as two instances where no article resulted. Specifically, they question the sourcing of a 2009 article regarding Elton John’s cancelled tour dates, suggesting unlawful access to his medical information. However, ANL maintains the information came from John’s website and a spokesperson.
ANL’s Defense
ANL denies all allegations, asserting that the challenged articles were sourced through legitimate means, including journalists’ contacts, spokespeople, and previously published material. They also point to former spokesperson Gary Farrow, who they claim “regularly provided the media” with information about John and Furnish. Regarding allegations involving private investigator Gavin Burrows, ANL states he now claims no involvement in investigating Elton John or intercepting his communications.
Concerns Over Detail and Social Circles
Furnish expressed concern over the “specific detail” included in a 2009 article about his treatment, despite ANL’s claim the information was publicly available. ANL’s legal team suggested Furnish’s social circle may have been a source of information for journalists, a claim Furnish refuted, stating his friends were aware not to share private details.
What Could Happen Next
The case is ongoing, and further evidence is expected to be presented. The court will examine the evidence presented by both sides and determine whether ANL engaged in unlawful information gathering. If the claimants are successful, ANL could face financial penalties and reputational damage. Conversely, if ANL prevails, the allegations will be dismissed, and the claimants’ claims will be unsubstantiated.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Elton John and David Furnish alleging?
Elton John and David Furnish allege that the Daily Mail publisher, Associated Newspapers Ltd, unlawfully obtained information about them through phone hacking, landline tapping, and the use of private investigators.
Who else is involved in this legal action?
Prince Harry, Sadie Frost, Liz Hurley, and Doreen Lawrence are also claimants in the legal action against Associated Newspapers Ltd.
What is ANL’s response to the allegations?
ANL denies all allegations, stating that the articles in question were sourced through legitimate journalistic practices and that the claims are “groundless and unsupported by the evidence before the court.”
As this case unfolds, what level of privacy do you believe public figures are entitled to, and how should that be balanced against the public’s right to know?