Hugh Grant Calls for Police to Investigate Sun Owners

Call for Criminal Inquiry into The Sun Over Alleged Privacy Violations

Actor Hugh Grant has joined a growing chorus demanding a criminal investigation into News Group Newspapers (NGN), the publisher of The Sun, following Prince Harry’s settlement with the company. Grant himself reached a settlement with NGN in 2024 after similar allegations of privacy violations.

“A civil case is not the right instrument to get to the real truth,” Grant asserts. He firmly believes NGN has strategically exploited the legal system to silence complainants, emphasizing the need for a criminal investigation to hold those responsible accountable.

Grant’s call resonates with former Labor leader lord Tom Watson, who also reached a settlement with NGN and intends to present a dossier of evidence to the Metropolitan Police. Watson’s legal team is actively pursuing a criminal investigation, and a spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police confirmed they are awaiting any correspondence from the parties involved.

NGN has admitted to “incidents of unlawful activity” carried out by private investigators working for The Sun. They settled Harry’s case with “considerable damages” and a public apology for “serious intrusion” into his private life between 1996 and 2011.

Grant, who accused The Sun of phone tapping and burglary, explained that he settled his own case due to the exorbitant legal costs involved, revealing a potential bill of up to £10 million even if he had won. He heavily criticizes NGN for using its ample financial resources to avoid meaningful accountability. “They’ve spent £1 billion to make sure these things are never looked at in court… and you don’t get proper judicial findings,” he stated.

Grant points out that many individuals connected to the alleged abuses at The Sun remain in positions of power, fueling his belief that a criminal investigation is crucial to address the systemic issues within the institution.

Rebekah Brooks,who served as the Sun’s editor during part of the period in question and is currently the CEO of News UK,was acquitted of phone-hacking charges in 2014. Grant firmly believes a criminal investigation is the only way to ensure justice for victims and prevent future abuses.

Alongside calls for a criminal investigation, Grant urges the government to launch a second stage of the Leveson Inquiry, which investigated press ethics following the phone-hacking scandal.He feels the inquiry, repeatedly promised by the Labour Party while in opposition, has been sidelined as they took office.

However, Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has ruled out a second Leveson inquiry, stating it is “no longer fit for purpose” given the evolving media landscape.

Hugh Grant Takes Aim at The Sun: Calls for Criminal Investigation into Alleged Abuses

The calls for accountability surrounding alleged press misconduct are getting louder. Following Prince Harry’s recent settlement with News Group newspapers (NGN),the publisher of The Sun,actor Hugh Grant has joined the chorus,demanding a criminal investigation into what he describes as “a deeply troubling situation.”

Grant, who settled his own privacy claim against NGN earlier this year, believes that civil courts are inadequate for uncovering the full truth. “A civil case is simply not the right instrument to get to the real truth,” he stated in an exclusive interview. “NGN has systematically exploited the legal system to silence complainants, dragging them through incredibly costly and exhausting processes.”

Grant’s decision to settle his claim, despite the gravity of the allegations, was influenced by the financial burdens of litigation. He revealed, “Unfortunately, the legal costs were a deciding factor. I could have faced a bill of up to £10 million even if I had won. Its outrageous that a media giant like NGN can essentially use its vast financial resources to avoid meaningful accountability.”

With unwavering conviction, Grant believes a criminal investigation is the only way to bring justice to the victims and prevent future abuses. “Many of the individuals connected to these alleged abuses remain in positions of power,” he emphasized. “A criminal investigation is the only way to ensure justice for the victims and prevent future abuses.”

his call for a criminal investigation is echoed by Lord Tom Watson, another prominent figure who settled with NGN. This growing movement sends a powerful message that powerful institutions will no longer be allowed to operate with impunity. Grant stresses the importance of protecting the fundamental right to privacy for everyone, emphasizing that this issue transcends individual cases.

However, Grant expressed disappointment with Culture secretary Lisa Nandy’s decision to rule out a second stage of the Leveson Inquiry. “It’s a very disappointing decision,” he stated. “The Leveson Inquiry was promised repeatedly by the Labour Party while in opposition, but it truly seems they’ve sidelined it now that they’re in power.”

Call for Justice: Hugh Grant Advocates for a Deeper Dive into Press misconduct

The British press has faced intense scrutiny in recent years, with several high-profile scandals exposing unethical practices and a culture of abuse. Hugh Grant, renowned actor and vocal advocate for press reform, has consistently called for a thorough investigation into these practices.

Grant, known for his activism on this issue, believes that a full, independent inquiry is needed to examine the pervasive wrongdoing within the British press. He asserts, “We need a full, independent inquiry to examine the culture of wrongdoing in the British press and to ensure that these abuses never happen again.” This statement underscores grant’s unwavering dedication to holding the media accountable for its actions.

In a recent interview with Archyde, Grant reiterated his stance, emphasizing the need to keep the issue in the public eye and push for meaningful change. He stated, “It’s crucial that we keep this issue in the public eye and push for genuine reform.” Grant’s commitment to transparency and justice shines through in his words, highlighting the urgency for a more ethical and accountable press.

His call for a criminal investigation into press misconduct has sparked a national conversation. Many agree with Grant’s assessment that serious wrongdoing requires a comprehensive legal examination.The debate surrounding a second stage of the Leveson Inquiry, which initially investigated phone hacking and media intrusion, further highlights the public’s desire for genuine reform within the industry.

This ongoing discussion prompts the following questions: Does a criminal investigation into press misconduct hold the potential to bring about meaningful justice? Should the government reconsider launching a second stage of the Leveson Inquiry to address the broader concerns surrounding press ethics and accountability?

What specific regulatory reforms does hugh Grant believe are necessary to address press misconduct and hold media organizations accountable?

Hugh Grant Calls for Justice: A Q&A on Press Misconduct

following Prince Harry’s settlement with News Group Newspapers (NGN), actor Hugh Grant has joined the call for a criminal examination into alleged abuses at The Sun. Grant, who himself settled a privacy claim against NGN earlier this year, spoke exclusively with Archyde about the issue, expressing his deep concerns about the wider implications of press misconduct.

Archyde: Hugh, thank you for speaking with us. You’ve been a vocal advocate for press reform for some time.What prompted your renewed calls for action following Prince Harry’s settlement?

Hugh Grant: It’s truly disheartening to see these abuses continue, even after the Leveson Inquiry.Prince Harry’s case, and many others like mine, highlight a systemic problem within the British press. A civil case simply isn’t enough to uncover the full truth. These powerful institutions need to be held accountable for their actions through a criminal investigation.

Archyde: You mentioned the Leveson Inquiry. Do you believe a second stage is necessary to address these ongoing issues?

Hugh Grant: Absolutely. The original Leveson Inquiry was a crucial step in exposing the extent of the problem, but its recommendations haven’t been fully implemented. A second stage would allow for a more in-depth examination of the culture of wrongdoing within the industry and potentially lead to stronger regulatory reforms. It’s deeply concerning that the government has thus far ruled this out.

Archyde: You’ve spoken about the exorbitant legal costs involved in pursuing these cases.How does this create a barrier to justice for ordinary citizens?

Hugh Grant: It’s a meaningful obstacle. most people simply can’t afford to engage in a lengthy and expensive legal battle against a media giant. Those who can afford it are frequently enough wealthy and powerful individuals, further skewing the balance of power.It’s simply unjust.

Archyde: What message do you hope to send with your ongoing activism on this issue?

Hugh Grant: The right to privacy is basic.Pressure must be maintained on institutions like NGN to ensure clarity and accountability.We need a press that upholds ethical standards and respects the rights of individuals. Public awareness and engagement are crucial in driving this change.

archyde: Looking ahead, what concrete steps do you think are needed to achieve meaningful press reform?

hugh grant: We need stricter regulation, enforced by an independent body, to hold media organizations accountable for their actions. There also needs to be a greater emphasis on ethical journalism and media literacy among both journalists and the public.

The issue of press misconduct is multifaceted and requires a extensive and collaborative approach. Hugh Grant’s tireless advocacy serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding individual rights and promoting a more ethical and accountable media landscape.