Spectator settles in hyperlink defamation case

The Spectator has published an apology and agreed to pay damages and costs in a defamation case against the title and journalist Stephen Pollard.

The apology and payment resolves a dispute between the Spectator and Pollard and the organisers of the Islam Expo conference.

According to the claimant Islam Expo, a blog post written by Jewish Chronicle editor Stephen Pollard and published by the Spectator in July 2008 unfairly and falsely suggested that the organisation was "racist, fascist and genocidal".

In a ruling last month, Justice Tugendhat said hyperlinked articles within the blog post would be considered as context in the case to help the court decide on the meaning of the article.

But the case has been resolved with an apology and compensation award agreed by both parties. In the apology published on Saturday, the Spectator said: "Stephen Pollard and the Spectator apologise for the unintended and false suggestion in a blog published on 15 July 2008 that Islam Expo Limited is a fascist party dedicated to genocide which organised a conference with a racist and genocidal programme. We accept that Islam Expo's purpose is to provide a neutral and broad-based platform for debate on issues relating to Muslims and Islam."

The title made no further comment on the case when contacted by Journalism.co.uk. The deal was struck before the case went to trial, the solicitors acting on behalf of Islam Expo confirmed.

"[T]he Spectator and Mr Pollard have undertaken never to repeat the allegations complained of and agreed to pay damages to compensate us for the damage done to our reputation by the article. They have also agreed to pay our legal costs," says a statement from the organisers of Islam Expo.

Free daily newsletter

If you like our news and feature articles, you can sign up to receive our free daily (Mon-Fri) email newsletter (mobile friendly).