Elton John Loses Libel Case Against the Guardian Times

In Elton John's most recent duel with the press, the Guardian Times has come out the victor. The high court has ruled in favor of the Times concerning articles that John claimed falsely linked him to a controversial tax avoidance scheme.

"The conclusion I have reached is that the words complained of are not capable of bearing the meaning attributed to them by the claimant or any other defamatory meaning," said Justice Tugendhat, adding that John's claims against the paper were "so lacking any possible basis that it is obviously to be rejected."

Sir Elton sued the Times for libel damages over two separate articles published on 'the secrets of tax avoiders.' John stated that they were "severely damaging" to his reputation and charity work. John's lawyers did not say whether or not he would appeal.

This is hardly his first go round with the press. In 2008, a different libel case was thrown out, by the same judge, in another matter concerning the Guardian. In that case, John had claimed the paper belittled his fundraising and questioned his commitment to the Elton John Aids Foundation. And, in 2009, yet another tangle with the Guardian over a 'spoof diary' resulted in John dropping the case.