Hugh Grant has urged U.K. police to initiate a new criminal investigation into Rupert Murdoch’s News Group Newspapers (NGN) following Prince Harry’s recent settlement with the company. This appeal comes as public scrutiny increases over allegations of phone hacking at The Sun newspaper, which NGN has acknowledged as a past wrongdoing.
- Hugh Grant calls for investigation into NGN.
- Prince Harry's settlement prompts renewed scrutiny.
- Grant accuses NGN of silencing complainants.
- Tom Watson to submit dossier to police.
- NGN admits to criminal activity at The Sun.
- Grant and Piers Morgan engage in public dispute.
On January 24, 2025, during an interview on BBC Radio 4, Grant expressed that the issue remains unresolved, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation into NGN’s practices.
Hugh Grant’s call for a renewed investigation into Rupert Murdoch’s News Group Newspapers highlights ongoing concerns about media ethics in the U.K. This plea follows Prince Harry’s settlement, reportedly exceeding $10 million, which included admissions of guilt from NGN regarding phone hacking at The Sun. Grant, who settled with NGN in 2024, stated that the company has consistently used its financial resources to evade proper judicial scrutiny.
Key points from Grant’s statements include:
- NGN has allegedly spent £1 billion to silence critics and prevent court findings.
- Grant accused The Sun of employing private investigators for illegal activities, including phone tapping.
- He believes that individuals involved in past misconduct still hold significant positions within the organization.
Tom Watson, a former politician who also settled with NGN, indicated that his legal team would submit a dossier to the Metropolitan Police. However, the police have stated there are currently no active investigations regarding these matters. NGN has denied any wrongdoing, asserting that their recent admissions of guilt were related to actions taken by private investigators rather than journalists.
The recent developments have sparked a public discourse on media accountability, with Grant and others advocating for a deeper examination of NGN’s practices. As the situation evolves, the implications for media regulation and ethical standards in journalism remain significant.
In summary, Hugh Grant’s call for a criminal investigation into Rupert Murdoch’s News Group Newspapers underscores the ongoing debate over media ethics and accountability in the U.K., especially following significant admissions of wrongdoing by the company.
