Sir Philip Green abandons legal action against the Telegraph over legal injunction
Sir Philip Green has dropped his legal action against the Telegraph over its accusations against him of multiple claims of sexual harassment and racism.
Sir Philip, who denies the allegations, was named in parliament by Lord Peter Hain after an injunction prevented the Telegraph from identifying the businessman after an eight-month investigation.
Read more: Sir Philip Green accuses Lord Hain of colluding with the Telegraph
The Arcadia boss accused the Telegraph of doorstepping current and former staff who had signed non-disclosure agreements, “ causing distress and concern to their families”.
“After careful reflection, Arcadia and Sir Philip have therefore reluctantly concluded that it is pointless to continue with the litigation which has already been undermined by the deliberate and irresponsible actions of Lord Peter Hain, the paid consultant of the Telegraph’s lawyers Gordon Dadds, and risks causing further distress to the Arcadia’s employees,” a statement read.
Sir Philip has reported the Telegraph to the Independent Press Standards Organisation (Ipso) over the alleged approaches to employees who have signed NDAs.
The Topshop mogul had sought to uncover the sources behind the Telegraph’s story, as well as damages for the negative publicity surrounding his naming.
Sir Philip’s lawyers also accused the Telegraph of colluding with Hain to reveal the businessman’s identity.
Hain told Morning Wire last week that this was “a malevolent lie to divert attention from the allegations of sexual harassment and bullying at issue”.
Read more: Sir Philip Green named as man at centre of harassment claims
“Lord Hain used his Parliamentary Privilege to make a statement and allowed the media to inform the public of who was involved in the injunction, without fear of being in contempt of court or of defamation proceedings,” Sir Philip and Arcadia said today.
“As a result, Sir Philip was subjected to a barrage of vicious personal attacks by the media which published allegations that were simply untrue. Sir Philip categorically denies any unlawful racist or sexual behaviour.”