Actor Hugh Grant has won a “substantial sum” in damages from Rupert Murdoch’s News International after settling his phone hacking action against the now defunct News of the World .
The amount was not revealed, but Mr. Grant tweeted that “100% of money plus more” would go to HackedOff, the campaign group he formed in the wake of the NoW hacking scandal to demand more stringent media regulation.
“Settled hacking suit with NI [News International]. 100 % of money plus more goes to #HackedOff coffers. Just in time for Christmas, Rupert,” he tweeted.
Earlier, in a statement, his lawyer said: “Hugh Grant has today settled his claims for damages and other legal remedies arising out of the unlawful activities of News of the World journalists and others over a number of years…He has instructed us to donate all of his damages plus an additional payment from him to the Hacked Off Campaign for a free and accountable media.”
Mr. Grant, a favourite target of the tabloids, vowed to continue campaigning to prevent what he described as a “cosy stitch-up” between the government and the newspaper industry to avoid setting up a new regulatory mechanism backed by legislation recommended by Lord Leveson in his report on press standards.
He is among a clutch of high-profile celebrities, including actor Jude Law, who have won substantial damages from News International which has set up a £20 million compensation fund to settle hacking claims.
