Sharon Osbourne has today accepted substantial (undisclosed) damages and costs from the News Group Newspapers Limited, publishers of the Sun newspaper for its defamatory article published on the 1st October 2007. In addition, the Sun newspaper has agreed to publish an apology and a statement in open court has been read out. A statement in open court allows the media to report the contents of that statement without the risk of defamation actions since they are privileged by law, so long as they are accurate and fair reports.

In the article published by the Sun, it wrongly alleged that Sharon Osbourne was “driving her frail husband Ozzy Osbourne to destruction” by forcing him to perform at a series of live shows. The defendant (News Group Newspapers Limited) agreed never to republish the allegations and apologised for embarrassment or distress it caused.

The claimant Sharon Osborne was represented by the solicitors Schillings and the defendant News Group Newspapers Limited by Farrer & Co. The open court statement was signed by solicitors for both parties.

The full text PDF statement to open court of Sharon Osbourne v News Group Newspapers Ltd can currently be downloaded from Schillings solicitors.