David Beckham's libel claim thrown out by court

By Eleanor Young  on Tuesday 15 February 2011

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Last year, David Beckham was forced to deny 'ridiculous' affair allegations, after claims he had a fling with a $10,000-a-night prostitute surfaced in In Touch magazine. The star swiftly launched a £25 million lawsuit against the title - and was set to demand a front-page apology - but today the case has been thrown out by US courts.

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In September last year, the American weekly title published a story claiming the footballing star and self confessed family man slept with high-class call girl Irma Nici five times, and paid another 'mystery brunette' for sex back in 2007.

When the news broke, Beckham’s camp slammed the story as ‘lies' and 'completely untrue,’ and confirmed he would be taking legal action.

'Sadly we live in a world where a magazine can print lies and believe they can get away with it,’ a spokesman said at the time, adding the allegations are ‘completely untrue and totally ridiculous, as the magazine was clearly told before publication.'

But today lawyers faced a new setback, after the case was thrown out of American courts.

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US District Judge Manuel Real said that ‘whether or not the statement of the alleged affair was in fact false,’ David failed to show publishers acted with malice.

The judge also added that any allegations of infidelity against the footballer would be of interest to the public, claming there was no evidence to say the magazine 'avoided the truth'.

But David’s legal team hit back at the ruling, confirming it is likely they will appeal the decision.

Branding In Touch’s story 'a mockery,' Becks’ lawyer, Richard Kendall said: 'Mr Beckham was in New York and in London on the days in question. He was not at either hotel.’

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David could face huge legal bills if forced to foot the bill for the failed court action, with some reporting prostitute Irma Nici could even counter-sue the star.

‘When Mr Beckham sued my client he hired people to hunt her down. He did so in an outrageous and terrifying way,’ Nici's lawyer said outside court.

What are your thoughts on the latest David Beckham developments? Let us know in the comments box below.

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Tuesday 15 February 2011

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This is awful, all this does is send out the message that the press can print what ever make believe they feel like as long as they don't make it sound malicious - have to wonder what else lies that could damage someones marriage could be than malicious. As for David hiring people to hunt her down in an outrageous and terrifying way, what nonsense. It is more drama and ways in which a cheap women who will sell herself for money can try and make some more out of a famous man. She needs to get back to street corners and away from this happy couple.
Comment by Fi on February 15 10:05

The judge who handled this case did not do his homework. What happen if another prostitute said to the magazine that she had slept with Barack Obama for a night fling, I pressume this judge will consider it as FREE SPEECH!
Where is the law in libel?
Comment by VINCENTTERNZ on February 15 11:03

Beckhams as guilty as sin he just goes to court to try to prove his innocence and never wins, Rebecca Loos and many more have come forward and his wife still beleives him. Hes just like any other footballer unfaithful!!!!
Comment by Pea on February 15 14:55

No smoke without fire.......However looking at Ms Sourface who could blame him?
Comment by Billy on February 15 18:00

No one cares what or who Beckham did or did not have sex with. Why is it important to anyone but him and Victoria.
Comment by anna on February 15 18:06

I agree wholeheartedly with Pea. Maybe his wife lets him get on with it - the fact she's always being quoted as telling everyone what a voracious appetite for sex she has seems about as likely as her enjoying a weekly plate of chips. There's no way she could have the energy for it surviving on the few calories she does.
Comment by Lisa on February 15 19:04

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