Steve Coogan and production companies settle libel claim over ‘The Lost King’
Partner Jessica Welch comments on the news that Steve Coogan and two production companies are set to pay “substantial” damages to an academic following a High Court libel case over his depiction in a film about the discovery of Richard III’s remains, in Deadline.
"This case emphasises the crucial importance of portraying living individuals accurately in ‘true story’ productions.
"When portraying real people who are no longer alive, filmmakers and writers have greater scope for artistic licence from a defamation standpoint. However, where the subject of a story is still living, it is essential that any portrayal is fair, accurate and not defamatory. Straying from the truth risks reputational harm, and those involved being on the receiving end of a legal complaint.
"It has proved an expensive lesson. The defendants have agreed to pay significant damages to Mr Taylor, as well as his legal costs, and the production companies have agreed to edit the film to remove the allegations complained of. It seems likely that legal advice would have been sought during production but this outcome illustrates the importance of taking such advice. Taking the right steps early on can help to prevent significant financial and reputational damage further down the line.”
Jessica’s comments were published in Deadline, 27 October 2025.
