Posted 3/9/2024, 8:00:00 AM
Donelan and Foster Pay Damages Over Unfounded Online Accusations
- Michelle Donelan accused two academics of "extremist views" online without evidence, causing damage to their reputations
- Donelan had to pay £15,000 in damages and publish a retraction after her unfounded accusations
- The case shows the risks for politicians using social media to make accusations without proper research
- Tory peer Baroness Foster also had to apologize and pay damages for a false claim about a student's toy octopus
- Lawyers warn politicians are often unaware of libel risks when publicizing concerns they can legally raise privately