Former footballer Joey Barton has issued a public apology and agreed to pay £35,000 in damages to broadcaster Jeremy Vine to settle a libel claim. The Radio 2 presenter sued Barton earlier this year after the footballer made defamatory posts suggesting Vine had a sexual interest in children.
The High Court ruled in May that Barton’s posts were indeed defamatory, leading to an initial settlement of £75,000 in damages and legal costs. However, Vine’s lawyers confirmed that Barton would pay an additional £35,000 for posts published after legal action was taken.
The abuse began last year when Barton made derogatory comments about female football pundits, leading to a series of posts criticizing women in football and punditry. This prompted Vine to question Barton’s behavior, which then sparked a “calculated and sustained attack” on the broadcaster by Barton.
In a series of tweets, Barton called Vine derogatory names and made false accusations, ultimately leading to the defamation lawsuit. Despite Barton’s barrister claiming the posts were written in the heat of the moment and contained vulgar abuse, the court ruled in Vine’s favor.
In his public apology, Barton acknowledged the seriousness of his false allegations and expressed regret for the distress caused to Vine. He also agreed not to repeat the same accusations and to pay the agreed damages to settle the claims of defamation and harassment.
Vine’s lawyers expressed satisfaction with the resolution of the case, stating that their client had been vindicated in the face of Barton’s “appalling allegations and conduct.” The settlement also includes Barton participating in a formal apology in Open Court and giving undertakings to refrain from similar behavior in the future.
The BBC has reached out to Barton’s lawyers for comment but has not yet received a response. The case serves as a reminder of the consequences of making false and defamatory statements, even in the heat of the moment.
