Sir Elton Slams Press Intrusion into His Son’s Privacy as ‘Sickening’
In a recent High Court appearance via video link, Sir Elton John expressed his profound dismay regarding media intrusions into his family’s privacy. He described the situation as “sickening,” particularly highlighting the exposure surrounding his son Zachary’s birth. Sir Elton, alongside his partner David Furnish, has filed a lawsuit against Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL), centering on ten articles published between 2000 and 2015.
Details of the Legal Case
The couple’s claim addresses serious allegations of privacy breaches. Sir Elton characterized the articles as containing “the most horrendous things” one could endure from a privacy perspective. During his testimony, he stated, “I feel passionately about how wrong it is that such gross invasions could have been inflicted upon us and our family and friends.”
In his statement, he elaborated on the deliberate invasions into his medical details, particularly concerning Zachary’s birth. He described these violations as “abhorrent” and emphasized the importance of privacy, saying, “This does not mean deeply personal things which I have a right to deal with in private are fair game.” Sir Elton referred to the behavior of the press as an “exploitation of love, connection, trust, and bonds.”
Specific Incidents of Privacy Breach
- Publication of Zachary’s birth certificate before the couple had received it.
- A November 2009 article titled “Sick Elton cancels more tour dates,” which inaccurately described his illness.
Response to Defense Argument
ANL’s legal representatives argued that the information in the disputed articles was sourced from legitimate channels. They suggested that the couple did not immediately complain about the articles, to which Sir Elton replied, “I can’t remember.” He added that they were unaware of the full extent of the intrusions until later. When they learned the seriousness of the situation, they were “outraged” and decided to take legal action.
Sir Elton defended his privacy, stating, “We kept it quiet, which was a miracle considering who we are.” Furthermore, he noted that his current friends do not speak to the press, distinguishing them from previous relationships that may have leaked information.
Continuing Court Proceedings
The legal battle is ongoing, with revelations from both sides about the media’s role in invading the couple’s private lives. Sir Elton’s appearance has highlighted the emotional toll such breaches can have, particularly on family privacy.
