"Richard Taylor, deputy registrar at the University of Leicester at the time of the find, sued Coogan, his production company Baby Cow, and Pathe Productions for libel over his portrayal in the 2022 film The Lost King, which follows the amateur historian Philippa Langley and her search for the king's skeleton. Taylor's lawyers had asserted previously that he was portrayed in the film as devious, weasel-like and a suited bean-counter."
"Judge Lewis had ruled previously that the film portrayed Taylor as having knowingly misrepresented facts to the media and the public about the find, and as being smug, unduly dismissive and patronising, which had a defamatory meaning. The case was due to proceed to trial, but lawyers for Taylor read an agreed statement to the court on Monday saying the parties had settled the claim."
"As well as paying substantial damages, the defendants had also agreed to pay his legal costs, and make an onscreen clarification stating that the portrayal of Taylor was fictional and does not represent the actions of the real Mr Taylor, and that he acted with integrity during the events portrayed."
Richard Taylor, deputy registrar at the University of Leicester at the time of the find, brought a libel claim against Steve Coogan, his production company Baby Cow, and Pathe Productions over his portrayal in the 2022 film The Lost King. Judge Lewis had previously found that the film conveyed a defamatory meaning by portraying Taylor as knowingly misrepresenting facts and as smug, dismissive and patronising. The parties settled before trial with the defendants agreeing to pay substantial damages, legal costs, and include an onscreen clarification that the portrayal was fictional and that Taylor acted with integrity. Philippa Langley intended to testify for the defence but was unable due to ill health. Coogan said he would have preferred a judicial ruling.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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