Sensational Settlement Sparks Scandal: Hugh Grant Joins Call For Police Investigation Into Rupert Murdoch’s News Group Newspapers
In a shocking turn of events, the already-embattled News Group Newspapers, owned by media mogul Rupert Murdoch, is facing a new wave of scrutiny following the recent settlement reached between Prince Harry and the outlet over phone hacking allegations. The settlement, rumored to be in the millions, has sparked outrage and calls for justice, with none other than British actor Hugh Grant joining the chorus demanding a full-scale police investigation into the scandal-ridden media giant.
Background and Context
Hugh Grant has joined the chorus calling for a police investigation into criminality at News Group Newspapers (NGN) following this week’s high-profile settlement and apology with Prince Harry. Appearing on the BBC’s Today program, the BAFTA-winning star and Board Director of the Hacked Off campaign group said the “aim” of Harry’s initial case and of Grant’s own 2024 case against NGN had been to spark a “new criminal investigation” against NGN, but both had fallen foul of the UK civil courts legal system.
Recent Settlements and Apologies
Prince Harry’s reported eight-figure settlement came several months after Notting Hill star Grant settled a privacy claim against NGN. At the time, Grant said he could have faced a bill of up to £10M ($12.3M) even if he had won due to a quirk of the British legal system. After NGN settled with Harry this week, the company issued an apology and for the first time acknowledged criminal activity at The Sun, although the group immediately stressed that this was carried out by “private investigators, not journalists.”
Historical Allegations and Investigations
NGN’s follow-up statement also said the settlement “draws a line under the past and brings an end to this litigation.” Had Harry’s case gone to trial for several weeks, many including Grant believe that NGN would have had to defend itself against wider allegations of a cover-up regarding privacy. Grant today noted that “the people giving the orders [back then] are still there [at NGN] in positions of great power.”
Current Calls for Action
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson told the BBC of the investigation: “We await any correspondence from the parties involved, which we will respond to in due course.” Earlier, Met chief Mark Rowley stressed to Today that the issues have been investigated in the past. “There was a massive series of investigations done sort of a decade or so ago,” he said. “It finished more recently than that, many, many millions of pounds, hundreds officers were involved for a long period of time. There were many prosecutions, those investigations were closed, if they send us a bunch of material, we’ll reflect on that and make our judgments. Much of the material in the civil litigation actually came from those investigations and was requested through legal processes by the litigants. So let’s see whether they produce anything.”
Implications and Analysis
Consequences of Settlements
The settlements have significant implications for News Group Newspapers and the individuals involved. Grant believes that NGN has “gamed” the civil courts to silence complainants and that a criminal investigation is needed. “That’s what they’ve done consistently over the last 10 years,” he said. “They’ve spent £1 billion to make sure these things are never looked at in court… and you don’t get proper judicial findings. I think what they’re terrified of is that those findings would trigger a new criminal inquiry.”
Power Dynamics and Accountability
Grant had accused The Sun newspaper of using private investigators to tap his phone and burgle his house, but said he settled because he could have faced a multi-million dollar bill even if he had won. NGN had denied the allegations, saying the settlement was reached “without admission of liability.” For Grant, a new investigation was necessary because people working at The Sun at the time were “still in positions great power.”
Impact on the Broader Media Landscape
The settlements and calls for police investigations have significant implications for the media industry and the role of News Group Newspapers within it. Grant called on the new Labour government to conduct a ‘Leveson 2’ inquiry into phone hacking and privacy, but Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has already said this will not take place. “I have some sympathy for politicians terrified of the Murdoch organization and the power to destroy their careers,” said Grant, who is BAFTA nominated this year for Heretic. “But this is why we now need leadership from the Prime Minister. If a government is there for anything, particularly a Labour government, it is to protect the public from abuses and criminalities of big corporations.”
Practical Next Steps and Future Directions
Potential Police Investigation
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson told the BBC of the investigation: “We await any correspondence from the parties involved, which we will respond to in due course.” The possibility of a police investigation into News Group Newspapers is now a real one, with Grant and others calling for action.
Leveson 2 and Government Involvement
Grant also called on the new Labour government to conduct a ‘Leveson 2’ inquiry into phone hacking and privacy, but Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has already said this will not take place. The role of the government in addressing these issues is now under scrutiny.
Ongoing Campaigns and Advocacy
The work of Hacked Off and other organizations advocating for media reform and accountability continues to be crucial in the wake of these settlements and calls for action. Grant’s involvement with Hacked Off highlights the ongoing need for advocacy and reform in the media industry.
Conclusion
As the latest development in the ongoing saga surrounding Rupert Murdoch’s News Group Newspapers, Hollywood A-lister Hugh Grant has joined the chorus of voices calling for a police investigation into the media mogul’s empire. This move follows Prince Harry’s highly publicized settlement with the company over alleged phone hacking and privacy breaches. Our recent article delved into the key points of Prince Harry’s settlement, including the reported £29 million payout and the court documents that revealed disturbing evidence of News Group Newspapers’ extensive use of private investigators to obtain confidential information. Furthermore, we explored Hugh Grant’s personal connection to the issue, having been a victim of phone hacking himself, and his subsequent advocacy for greater accountability and transparency in the media industry.
The significance of this issue cannot be overstated. The alleged actions of News Group Newspapers raise serious questions about the ethics of the media and the impact on public figures and ordinary citizens alike. The fact that a prominent figure like Prince Harry has been affected by these practices highlights the extent to which individuals’ personal lives are being exploited for the sake of a good story. If left unchecked, this could have far-reaching implications for the media landscape, undermining trust in institutions and creating a culture of fear and intimidation around public figures. As such, Hugh Grant’s call for a police investigation is a crucial step towards uncovering the truth and ensuring that those responsible are held to account.
As we move forward, it is clear that this is an issue that will not go away anytime soon. The spotlight on News Group Newspapers and Rupert Murdoch’s empire is unlikely to fade, and it is imperative that we continue to push for greater transparency and accountability. In the words of Hugh Grant, “This is not just about phone hacking, it’s about the abuse of power and the destruction of lives.” As we navigate this complex and contentious issue, we are reminded that the truth has the power to set us free, but only if we are brave enough to confront it. Will we continue to turn a blind eye to the alleged wrongdoings of News Group Newspapers, or will we stand up for justice and demand accountability? The choice is ours.