Ferdinand v MGN Ltd [2011] EWHC 2454 (QB), [2011] All ER (D) 04 (Oct)
In an action brought by the claimant, a well-known professional footballer, seeking to prevent publication of an article alleging that he had an affair with a woman, S, the court ruled that the defendant had been entitled to place the relationship between the claimant and S in context. There was a public interest in the article, especially since the claimant had specifically sought to portray himself as a reformed character regarding his lifestyle. He had set out to give the impression that he was a family man and had given up his past ways, including “cheating” on his girlfriend. He had repeated that portrayal in later articles and his autobiography, some of which had been published after he had renewed contact with S.
Further, as England captain he could be expected to be a role model, and as such his conduct was of especial interest to the public. The qualifications required to be England captain would be of perennial interest. In the circumstances, it
