Beckhams drop libel action against News of the World

by Sam Matthews, Brand Republic 09-Mar-06, 12:15

LONDON – David and Victoria Beckham have dropped their libel suit against the News of the World over the tabloid's claims they were 'cynically and hypocritically' pretending their marriage was perfect.

The case concerned a News of The World exclusive with the Beckham's former nanny Abbie Gibson in which she gave intimate details about the couple's private life, including David Beckham's alleged affairs with Rebecca Loos and beautician Danielle Heath.

The Beckhams failed in an 11th-hour attempt to halt the story from running, which the paper splashed with on April 24 last year.

If the case had gone to court, the couple would have had to prove their marriage was not a sham in a long, drawn-out case that would have exposed intimate details about the couple's private life.

A statement issued by News of the World publisher News Group Newspapers would not detail the reasons behind the case being dropped.

"The defamation proceedings by David and Victoria Beckham against the News of the World have been resolved on a confidential basis. There will be no further comment," it said.

The Beckhams are still suing Gibson for breaching a confidentiality agreement.

The news comes as Arsenal and England defender Ashley Cole is currently suing the News of the World and The Sun about a story linking him to alleged gay Premiership footballers.

The newspapers did not mention Cole's name specifically in any of the stories. However, they printed a doctored picture, which has since been revealed to be of Cole and a Choice FM DJ.

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