Medien: Prinz Harry und andere Promis müssen Millionenstrafe an „Daily Mail“-Verlag zahlen

London – Former Prince Harry, pop sensation Elton John, and five additional plaintiffs face a £9.5 million ($11.1 million) payment to the publisher of the British tabloid "Daily Mail" following their recent legal defeat. Judge Matthew Nicklin ruled that payment, equivalent to around £9.5 million, must be made by August 28th. The sum represents the high end of what observers anticipated, as it will not be the last of the costs.

The plaintiffs accused the publisher, Associated Newspapers, of violating their privacy and illegally obtaining information. The headlines of the "Daily Mail" were claimed to have been generated through illicit research methods, including hacking of mobile phones. The case was dismissed on July 7th by the London High Court due to lack of evidence, but Judge Nicklin stated that it could not be ruled out that the reporting relied on legitimate sources.

Associated Newspapers claimed a "convincing victory," estimating its total legal costs at around £34 million ($40 million). The remaining costs, after the first payment, are expected to be covered at a later date, with the plaintiffs reportedly insured for about half of the total legal expenses.