…By Larry John for TDPel Media.
Chris Packham, a well-known TV presenter and environmental campaigner, has started a High Court libel trial against three men.
The men wrote nine online articles accusing Packham of misleading the public into donating to a wildlife charity to rescue tigers from circuses.
The articles claim that Packham defrauded people into donating to the Wildheart Trust charity, knowing that the tigers were well looked after.
Packham strongly denies the allegations and is suing the men for libel.
The articles were published on the website Country Squire Magazine and repeated on Twitter and in videos.
Ongoing Publication of Defamatory Material
Packham first made his libel claim in March 2021 over four published articles.
However, he found a fifth article the following day complaining about the legal action and including links to the alleged defamatory material.
As the case has progressed, Packham has had to update his claim due to the ongoing publication of statements considered to be libellous.
Extraordinary Level of Vitriol
The case is notable for the level of vitriol displayed by the defendants towards Packham.
His barrister, Jonathan Price, said, “The defendants have published an enormous amount of puerile, offensive, and damaging material about (him), often under the guise of fundraising for their defence.”
Country Squire Magazine editor Dominic Wightman, writer Nigel Bean, and a third man, Paul Read, are the defendants in the libel claim.
They will argue that the allegations made in the articles and tweets are substantially true.
Analysis and Commentaries
This case highlights the importance of responsible journalism and the consequences of making false allegations.
Chris Packham has spent a significant amount of time and money defending himself against these defamatory articles.
He has also had to endure personal attacks and allegations of additional dishonesty, bullying, and sexual offences.
The ongoing publication of defamatory material is concerning, and it is vital that people think carefully before making allegations that could damage someone’s reputation.
It is equally important that journalists and media outlets ensure that their reporting is accurate and responsible.
In conclusion, the Chris Packham libel trial is a reminder of the importance of responsible journalism and the consequences of making false allegations.
The trial will determine whether the articles in question were substantially true or defamatory, and the outcome will have significant implications for the media industry.
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