“The Lost King” Libel Case Resolved with Ample Damages

Steve Coogan, his production company Baby Cow, and Pathé Productions have settled a libel claim regarding their 2022 film, “The Lost King.” The claimant, a university employee depicted in the film, has been awarded “substantial damages.” This settlement brings to a close a dispute centered on the portrayal of individuals involved in the finding of king Richard III’s remains.

The Story Behind “The Lost King”

“The Lost King,” co-written by Steve Coogan and starring Coogan and Sally Hawkins, dramatizes the events surrounding the 2012 discovery of the remains of King Richard III in Leicester, England. The film focuses on Philippa Langley,an amateur historian who spearheaded the search,and the subsequent legal battle to exhume and rebury the king’s remains. The controversy stems from the film’s depiction of certain individuals connected to the University of Leicester, who were involved in the archaeological dig and the handling of the discovery.

The Libel Claim and its Basis

The lawsuit was brought by a university employee who alleged that their portrayal in the film was defamatory. specifically, the claimant argued that the film presented them in a false and damaging light, suggesting improper conduct or motivations related to the Richard III discovery. Libel, in legal terms, is a published false statement that harms a person’s reputation. To succeed in a libel claim, the claimant generally needs to prove that the statement was false, published to a third party, caused harm to their reputation, and was made with a certain level of fault (depending on whether the claimant is a public figure).

Key Elements of a Libel Case

• False Statement: The statement made in the film had to be demonstrably untrue.
• Publication: The statement had to have been communicated to others (through the film’s release).
• Identification: the statement had to be about the claimant, and identifiable as such.
• Damage: The statement had to have caused harm to the claimant’s reputation.
• Fault: The level of fault required depends on the claimant’s status. Public figures generally need to prove “actual malice” – that the statement was made with knowledge of its falsity or with reckless disregard for the truth.

Settlement Details and Implications

While the exact terms of the settlement remain confidential, the awarding of “substantial damages” indicates the seriousness with which the court viewed the claim. The settlement avoids a perhaps lengthy and public trial. Coogan and Pathé productions have not publicly commented on the specifics of the settlement beyond acknowledging its conclusion. This case highlights the legal risks associated with dramatizing real-life events and the importance of ensuring accuracy and fairness in portrayals of individuals.

Looking Ahead

this settlement serves as a reminder to filmmakers and writers of the potential legal ramifications of depicting real people and events.It underscores the need for thorough fact-checking and careful consideration of how individuals might be perceived in fictionalized accounts. Future productions based on real-life stories will likely face increased scrutiny regarding the accuracy and fairness of their portrayals, potentially leading to more pre-emptive legal reviews.

Publication Date: 2025/10/27 14:47:40