Lucas wins Daily Star privacy case
27/05/2010
Little Britain star Matt Lucas has accepted substantial damages from the Daily Star over claims contained in an article about his ex-partner's death.
The 36-year-old comedian sued the newspaper after it alleged that Kevin McGee, Mr Lucas's one-time civil partner who killed himself in 2009, had been put on suicide watch after the couple broke up and Lucas met a new boyfriend.
His solicitor, John Kelly, had told London's High Court that the claims were "without foundation", adding: "Publishing (them) at this time considerably aggravated the hurt and distress caused by the article."
The newspaper had also released a story speculating that the reason for the couple's divorce was Mr McGee's use of cocaine.
Solicitor Zoe Norden, for Express Newspapers, which has also agreed to pay Mr Lucas's costs, offered its sincere apologies for invading his privacy and for the distress caused.
Copyright © Press Association 2010