Cameron Diaz And The Costly Enquirer

Friday, February 16, 2007

Big name, big story, only this time a big damages payment for the National Enquirer after they printed an untrue story about acting superstar Cameron Diaz.  Last year the National Enquirer claimed that Ms Diaz had been spotted in a passionate clinch with a married man, even though she was in a loving relationship with Justin Timberlake at the time.

The London Courts have awarded Ms Diaz substantial libel damages, after the article in question suggested she had been photographed in a compromising situation with Shane Nickerson who was the producer of her MTV show, Trippin’.  The magazine had even approached Ms Diaz’s representatives for a comment, at which point the allegations were refuted out of hand.

Despite denials by all parties involved, and using a suspicious photograph which appeared to be inconclusive, the National Enquirer still ran the story even asking readers for their opinions.  While Ms Diaz’s life has taken a turn for the worst over recent times, with her high profile split from “toy boy” lover Justin Timberlake, she was in a loving relationship at the time of the article.  This is said to have caused much tension between Ms Diaz and her partner, highlighting the undue pressure which can be exerted on high profile relationships.

While the National Enquirer have since admitted that the story was without foundation, and the picture upon which they based their claims was inconclusive, it has taken nearly 12 months for them to hold their hands up and apologise. 

Even though there have been recent updates to the media’s code of conduct, the fact that they are still allowed to publish unsubstantiated claims, and resolve the consequences at a later date seems very unfair.  Then again, if you are able to manipulate the media to prolong your career and improve your profile, do these superstars put themselves in the firing line?