Sir Elton John loses defamation suit over charity ball

Washington, Dec 13: Sir Elton John has lost in a defamation suit filed against a British newspaper that had published a satirical article mocking the singer’s annual White Tie and Tiara Ball.

The veteran had claimed that the article, approved for readership by The Guardian, had offensively dubbed the charity ball as “a means of self-promotion” while implying heavy event costs. The singer-composer-pianist had sought undisclosed damages along with an apology in the suit that had been upturned by the London High Court on December 12, reports Contactmusic. A spokesperson for the newspaper said: “We`re sorry that Elton John lost his sense of humour over this article. The judge - and, we suspect all readers - saw the article for what it was; a piece of mild satire." “Newspapers have published satire since the 17th century in this country: the judgment is an important recognition of the right to poke the occasional bit of fun." The 61-year-old was refused the right to appeal and ordered to pay court costs. ANI