Emotional Testimony in London Courtroom: Hurley Details Intrusive Surveillance
Actor and model Elizabeth Hurley delivered emotional testimony in the UK High Court in London, saying she endured what she described as a deep invasion of her personal privacy involving alleged phone tapping and bugging of her home. Hurley, 60, is a key claimant in a high-stakes lawsuit accusing a major British newspaper publisher of unlawful information gathering.
Wiping away tears at times, Hurley told the judge that she was devastated to learn that her landline conversations were allegedly intercepted and that listening devices were placed near her windows. The actress, supported in court by her son, said the experience left her feeling violated and publicly exposed.
Allegations Against Publisher: Phones, Bugs, and Stolen Secrets
Hurley said she was blindsided when she discovered evidence suggesting the tracking of her telephones and placement of hidden microphones—measures she said were used to source details for published stories. Among the information at issue were details about her pregnancy and other sensitive moments in her life.
She firmly denied that friends or acquaintances had leaked the information to journalists, countering defense claims that the details may have come through lawful channels. Hurley insisted that most of her close circle had no involvement with the media.
The publisher’s legal team questioned Hurley’s timing in bringing her claims, arguing that she should have acted sooner once she learned about alleged press misconduct. Hurley said she first understood her legal rights after a friend informed her about similar cases years earlier, but added that she initially didn’t grasp the full significance.
Wider Legal Battle and Broader Media Impact
Hurley’s testimony forms part of a larger case involving multiple high-profile plaintiffs, including prominent figures from public life, all accusing the same media group of unlawful information gathering and privacy violations over an extended period.
The outcome of this lawsuit could set significant precedents for media conduct, press ethics, and privacy rights in the UK, with major implications for how news outlets operate and how personal information is protected under British law.
