Daily Mail Publisher Accused of Unlawful Surveillance by Liz Hurley

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London: Actress and model Elizabeth Hurley delivered emotional testimony in the High Court in London, accusing the publisher of the Daily Mail of unlawfully bugging her residence and invading her privacy for journalistic purposes. Hurley is one of seven public figures, including Prince Harry and Sir Elton John, pursuing legal claims against Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL) alleging decades-long unlawful information gathering by the publisher’s journalists and associated private investigators.

 Hurley, appearing with her son Damian seated nearby, described a pattern of alleged intrusion dating from 2002 to 2011, saying her landline was tapped, live conversations recorded, and microphones placed on her dining room windowsill, which she said made her feel constantly monitored in her own home. She also told the court that her medical information from when she was pregnant was accessed without consent and subsequently used in published articles experiences, she described as “deeply hurtful” and a brutal violation of privacy.

The actor rejected defence suggestions that any private information might have come from friends, insisting the details in question could not have been obtained lawfully, and challenged claims questioning the timing of her lawsuit. Throughout her testimony, Hurley at times became tearful, repeatedly emphasising that the alleged conduct had inflicted significant distress on her and those close to her.

 Hurley’s case forms part of a broader trial in which the claimants allege that ANL used private investigators and unlawful techniques such as phone tapping, listening devices and other covert methods to collect information for stories about celebrities and public figures. ANL has denied these claims, characterising them as “unsupported by the evidence” and asserting that the contested articles were based on legitimate sources and reporting methods.

 Prince Harry, who has previously testified in the same case, was present at Hurley’s testimony to show support, underscoring the high profile and emotionally charged nature of the litigation. The trial is expected to continue for several weeks as both sides present evidence and arguments in one of the UK’s most closely watched media privacy lawsuits in years.