Popbitch retraction proves web 'not above the law'

Unsubstantiated Noel Edmonds rumour goes too far

Will Head, vnunet.com 20 Sep 2006

Celebrity internet rumour mill Popbitch has printed a retraction about a story concerning Noel Edmonds that was untrue.

Last week's Popbitch email newsletter included an item regarding Edmonds's attendance at a memorial service for the late Caron Keating who died from cancer at the age of 41 on 13 April 2004.

Since the publication, Edmonds contacted Popbitch to say that the story was untrue.

The current newsletter began with the following statement: "In last week's issue we ran a story about Noel Edmonds leaving business cards at Caron Keating's memorial service two years ago.

"Since then, Noel's been in touch and told us that's not true. We got it wrong and apologise sincerely to Noel for any embarrassment and offence this caused.

"At Noel's suggestion we have made a donation to the Caron Keating Foundation for carers of cancer patients. If you would also like to help their good work, donate here [www.caronkeating.org/donate]. "

David Engel, a partner at law firm Addleshaw Goddard, told vnunet.com that internet publications are not above the law.

"It is absolutely beyond doubt that the internet is not a law-free zone. The laws of defamation apply on the internet exactly as they do in relation to material appearing in print or on TV," he said.

"There are certain defences which are available in relation to internet libel which are not available to offline publications. But they are only available to ISPs and people innocently involved in the publication of the libel.

"A site like Popbitch, which is obviously in the business of putting material out, is certainly directly liable."

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