Model Triumphs in Court to Share Her Surgical Ordeal
A model who claims she was left in indescribable pain following breast enhancement surgery performed by a surgeon nicknamed the 'Boob God' is now free to publicly discuss her traumatic experience. This follows the lifting of a legal gag order that had been imposed at the surgeon's request.
The Surgery and Subsequent Complications
Katy Morgan, a 32-year-old single mother of two, sought the services of Dr Riccardo Frati, a self-described 'surgeon to the stars', after losing confidence in her body post-childbirth. Dr Frati boasts an Instagram following of 250,000 and a client list including reality TV personalities such as James Argent, Gemma Collins, and Aisleyne Horgan-Wallace.
However, Ms Morgan alleges that the surgery in April 2021 led to severe complications, resulting in her hospitalisation. She claims to have suffered from sepsis and necrosis, which involves the death of living tissue, describing the ordeal as profoundly traumatic.
The Controversial Non-Disclosure Agreement
In 2023, when Ms Morgan took to social media to voice her complaints about Dr Frati's work, the surgeon responded by asserting that she had breached a non-disclosure agreement (NDA). This agreement, which she signed while hospitalised and recovering from infections, provided her with a full refund for the procedure. In exchange, it prohibited her from publicly criticising the surgeon or providing information about him to regulatory bodies like the General Medical Council.
Ms Morgan contends that she has no memory of signing the contract, was not given the opportunity to seek legal advice, and was under the influence of strong painkillers at the time. Dr Frati disputes this account.
Legal Battle and Court Victory
In September 2023, Dr Frati successfully obtained an interim injunction from a court, effectively silencing Ms Morgan. She was unrepresented at that initial hearing, facing the surgeon's barrister alone. Since then, she has been fighting the gagging order with the support of the Free Speech Union.
Last week, Ms Morgan achieved a significant victory. A judge at the Manchester Civil Justice Centre overturned the gag order. Judge Ivan Ranson, while making no findings of fact regarding the NDA dispute, described the arguments that the agreement was unlawful and that Dr Frati had exploited his position of power as 'compelling'.
Ms Morgan expressed that a weight had been lifted, stating, 'My voice has been given back to me, because he took it away. He chose the wrong person to try and shut up.' Dr Frati was ordered to pay £20,548.72 in legal costs. A hearing scheduled for February 9 will determine whether the alleged breach of the settlement and NDA should be dismissed or proceed to trial.
Ongoing Repercussions and Professional Fallout
The ill-effects of the surgery continue to impact Ms Morgan's life. She recalls, 'I don't really remember most of it because I was on such high painkillers... but it just felt like my chest was going to burst.' She is currently crowdfunding to support the next stage of her legal proceedings.
Bryn Harris, chief legal counsel for the Free Speech Union, welcomed the decision, emphasising that gagging a patient from reporting to regulators constitutes serious wrongdoing. The union has encouraged other women who may have been silenced by Dr Frati to come forward.
In a statement to The Times, Dr Frati categorically denied the allegations, noting that they remain disputed and have not been determined by any court or regulator. He rejected the suggestion that he sought to silence Ms Morgan, asserting that he never prevented her from raising concerns with authorities.
Professional Suspensions and Institutional Responses
Amidst these developments, Dr Frati was suspended from practising at the First Trust (now Greater Lancashire) Hospital in Preston in June 2025 due to an alleged breakdown of trust and communication with staff. Subsequently, he was removed from the roster of cosmetic surgery provider MYA, which utilises the private hospital as a clinic.
MYA confirmed the suspension, stating that patient care and safety are their top priorities. They assured that all patients scheduled with Dr Frati were given alternate arrangements, and those recovering from his surgeries received appropriate aftercare.
The General Medical Council declined to comment on whether Dr Frati is under investigation but clarified that an NDA would not preclude them from examining claims of misconduct. Greater Lancashire Hospital has been contacted for further comment, as has Dr Frati and the GMC by the Daily Mail.
