The Lost King: Comedian Steve Coogan Faces Defamation Lawsuit Over Film Portrayal
In a recent ruling by Judge Jaron Lewis, a judge has determined that the portrayal of a university academic in Steve Coogan’s film, The Lost King, had a defamatory meaning. The film, which starred Sally Hawkins and focused on the discovery of Richard III’s remains under a Leicester car park, is now at the center of a legal battle.
Richard Taylor, the former deputy registrar of the University of Leicester, is suing Coogan, his production company Baby Cow, and Pathe Production for libel. Taylor claims that the film made him appear “misogynistic” and “weasel-like” in his interactions with historian Philippa Langley, played by Hawkins in the film.
The judge ruled that the film portrayed Taylor as “knowingly misrepresented facts to the media and the public” and as being “smug, unduly dismissive, and patronizing.” This depiction was deemed defamatory as it presented Taylor in a negative light throughout the film.
While the case will now proceed to trial, Coogan and his production company are defending the claim, arguing that the film was based on a true story and presented Langley’s perception of the events. They maintain that the portrayal of Taylor was not intended to suggest sexism or misogyny.
The outcome of this legal battle will have significant implications for the film industry and the boundaries of creative expression. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
