Singer Elton John expressed his outrage in London’s High Court on Friday upon discovering claims that his landline phones were allegedly bugged on behalf of the Daily Mail, stating that the actions of the newspaper were beyond basic standards of human decency. The iconic musician, renowned for songs like “Rocket Man” and “Your Song,” is currently in a legal battle against Associated Newspapers, the publisher of the Daily Mail, over purported extensive privacy breaches, alongside his spouse David Furnish, Prince Harry, and four others.
Associated Newspapers refutes the accusations of phone hacking and other illicit activities, asserting that their news stories were sourced from information already in the public domain or obtained from credible sources like the “leaky” social circles of celebrities. The publisher has dismissed the allegations as “outrageous smears.”
Appearing via video link in a blue shirt and green jacket, Elton John disclosed that he first learned of the alleged misconduct by the Daily Mail through his close friend, actress Elizabeth Hurley, who is also a complainant in the case. Hurley was reportedly informed by a private investigator that John’s landline phones were compromised during her stay with him shortly after the birth of her child.
The credibility of the evidence provided by the private investigator is a key point of contention in the ongoing trial, as the investigator initially supported the claimants but later retracted his statement, casting doubts on its authenticity. Expressing his dismay, Elton John, with a successful music career spanning over six decades and over 300 million records sold, emphasized his outrage upon realizing the severity of the situation.
Revealing that he did not use a mobile phone, John recounted how his three landline phones were allegedly hacked while Hurley was visiting, prompting his strong reaction. Despite apologizing for attending via video link due to visual impairments, he asserted his determination to stand up against unjust treatment by the British press.
During the court proceedings, Associated’s lawyer, Catrin Evans, questioned John about specific articles published between 2002 and 2015, suggesting that information could have been obtained from legitimate sources within his inner circle. John rebutted by affirming that his friends do not engage with the press, emphasizing that they remain loyal friends as a result. He criticized Evans for diverting attention from the alleged misconduct of Associated Newspapers.
One of the articles highlighted in the lawsuit revolves around a 2010 piece concerning the couple’s surrogacy and the premature access the Mail had to their son’s birth certificate. Elton John expressed disgust at the invasion of his personal and medical information, labeling it as a violation of basic human decency. As the final claimant to testify, John’s appearance marked a pivotal moment in the nine-week trial, set to conclude soon.