Settlement Reached in High Court Libel Case Over Portrayal in The Lost King Film
Steve Coogan and two production companies have agreed to pay "substantial damages" to a university academic to settle a High Court libel case related to his portrayal in a film about the discovery of Richard III's remains. The academic, Richard Taylor, who is the chief operating officer at Loughborough University, filed a lawsuit against Coogan, his production company Baby Cow, and Pathe Productions for libel over his depiction in The Lost King. The film follows Philippa Langley's quest to locate the king's skeleton, which was found in a Leicester car park in 2012, over 500 years after his death. In a ruling last year, the judge found that the film portrayed Mr. Taylor in a defamatory manner, suggesting that he had misrepresented facts and displayed smug and dismissive behavior. The case was set to go to trial, but the parties reached a settlement, with the defendants agreeing to pay damages, make changes to the film, and cover Mr. Taylor's legal costs.
In a statement read in court, Mr. Taylor's legal representative highlighted the harm caused to his client's personal and professional reputation by the inaccurate portrayal in the film. The defendants have acknowledged the impact of their depiction of Mr. Taylor and have agreed to rectify the situation by making amends and compensating him for the damages. The judge commended both parties for reaching a settlement, avoiding the need for a costly and stressful trial. The resolution of the case is seen as a positive step towards allowing Mr. Taylor to move on from this challenging experience.
The statement also mentioned Philippa Langley's role in the discovery of Richard III's remains, attributing the find to her efforts in spearheading the search project. The University of Leicester played a significant role in supporting the project financially and providing academic expertise, with Mr. Taylor serving as a key coordinator for the university's involvement. Steve Coogan, Baby Cow, and Pathe did not have representation at the hearing and were not present.
Mr. Taylor expressed his satisfaction with the outcome of the case, describing it as a success and vindication after a lengthy and arduous legal battle. He shared his initial feelings of frustration and helplessness upon the film's release but expressed gratitude for the support he received throughout the process. The settlement and acknowledgment of the harm caused by the film's portrayal are seen as a step towards closure for Mr. Taylor, allowing him to move forward from this challenging chapter.
In conclusion, the resolution of the libel case involving Steve Coogan, Baby Cow, and Pathe Productions paying damages to Richard Taylor for his portrayal in The Lost King film marks a significant step towards rectifying the harm caused to his reputation. The settlement and agreement to make changes to the film demonstrate a commitment to addressing the inaccuracies and defamatory elements, allowing Mr. Taylor to put this distressing experience behind him.