Sadie Frost Testifies in High Court Against Daily Mail Publisher Over Privacy Breach
Actress Sadie Frost has arrived at the High Court in London to present evidence against the publisher of the Daily Mail, following serious allegations of unlawful information gathering. The 60-year-old star is part of a high-profile group of claimants, including Prince Harry, Sir Elton John, David Furnish, Baroness Doreen Lawrence, Sir Simon Hughes, and Liz Hurley, who have initiated legal action against Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL).
Allegations of Unauthorised Access to Medical Records
Ms Frost has accused the publisher of accessing her confidential medical files without permission, a claim that forms the core of her case. During proceedings, barrister David Sherborne, representing the claimants, revealed that a draft article by Mail on Sunday journalist Katie Nicholl contained intimate details about Ms Frost that were unknown even to her closest family members.
Mr Sherborne stated that in late 2003, Ms Frost experienced an unplanned ectopic pregnancy with her then-boyfriend Jackson Scott, requiring surgery at a private hospital. This information was reportedly known only to Mr Scott and perhaps a few trusted friends, yet it appeared in the journalist's draft. "How did they know she was treated unless they had access to her voicemail or medical records?" Mr Sherborne questioned in court.
Emotional Impact on Claimants
In a witness statement, Ms Frost described the profound distress caused by the alleged intrusion, particularly during a difficult divorce. "I was going through a divorce which was difficult enough without a story like this coming out," she said. Other claimants have similarly expressed emotional turmoil while testifying.
Prince Harry became visibly emotional during his testimony last week, describing the legal proceedings as a "recurring traumatic experience" and a "repeat of the past." He spent approximately two hours answering questions from ANL's lawyer in what were described as frosty exchanges. The Duke of Sussex emphasised, "It's fundamentally wrong to put us through this again when all we wanted was an apology and accountability. It's a horrible experience."
He added, sounding on the verge of tears, "They continue to come after me, they have made my wife's life an absolute misery, my Lord." Harry further asserted, "I have never believed that my life is open season to be commercialised by these people," and called the claim that he lacks privacy rights "disgusting."
Publisher's Defence and Trial Timeline
Associated Newspapers Limited has strongly denied any wrongdoing and is vigorously defending against the allegations. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Nicklin, is expected to conclude by the end of March, with a written judgment to follow at a later date. This case highlights ongoing tensions between public figures and media organisations over privacy boundaries and ethical journalism practices.
