Elizabeth Hurley has told a UK High Court that private investigators working for the Daily Mail bugged her phone and placed microphones on her home windows to collect stories. She described the incidents as a “brutal invasion of privacy,” especially concerning articles about her son, Damian.
The actress became emotional as she gave evidence, saying the alleged actions were “mortifying and enraging.” ANL denies any wrongdoing.
Hurley’s claims focus on 15 articles published between 2002 and 2011. She says ANL “wilfully exploited stolen information using illegal methods,” including stories about her son Damian and his late father, film producer Steve Bing. She also alleges the Daily Mail accessed her private medical details during pregnancy.
One story, published the day after Damian was born in 2002, revealed details about her hospital stay. Others covered financial arrangements with Bing and his refusal to see their son.
When shown some of these pieces in court, she became tearful, highlighting how emotionally damaging the experience has been.
A private investigator, Gavin Burrows, allegedly admitted to bugging her conversations, though he denies making the statement and claims the signature on the document is false. Hurley described discovering the alleged phone tapping as devastating.
Prince Harry also appeared in court to support Hurley, alongside other high-profile claimants including Sadie Frost, Sir Elton John and David Furnish, Sir Simon Hughes, and Baroness Doreen Lawrence. The group claims ANL used systematic unlawful information-gathering tactics, including private investigators and blagging, over many years.
