Sadie Frost has given emotional testimony in the High Court, revealing that a series of articles published by the Daily Mail's parent company led her ex-husband, Jude Law, to suspect she was leaking private stories to the media. This suspicion severely damaged their post-divorce relationship and ability to co-parent their children effectively.
Allegations of Unlawful Information Gathering
Frost claims that Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL) published 11 articles about her using information obtained through unlawful methods. These methods allegedly included voicemail interception and the blagging of private records. The actress became visibly distressed while recounting how her family was targeted by these invasive practices.
Specific Incidents of Distress
One particularly humiliating incident involved a story about her daughter finding an ecstasy tablet. Frost believes this information originated from a hacked voicemail message. She also testified about a private ectopic pregnancy she experienced in 2003. Details of this medical matter appeared in a draft article by an ANL journalist, suggesting possible access to her confidential medical records or private voicemails.
Defence Arguments from Associated Newspapers
ANL has denied any wrongdoing throughout the proceedings. Their legal representative suggested that Frost's social circle was "leaky" and that family members regularly provided information to media outlets about both her and Law's private lives. The defence contends this explains how personal details became public knowledge.
Broader Implications for Media Ethics
This case forms part of a wider legal action against the newspaper publisher, highlighting ongoing concerns about media intrusion and privacy violations. Frost's testimony underscores the profound personal consequences that can result from alleged unlawful information gathering practices within the media industry.
