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  1. Media Law
October 5, 2011

Sun libel payout to Man U player over sex story

By Press Gazette

A case of mistaken identity has led to The Sun paying Manchester United footballer Tom Cleverley “a substantial sum” in libel damages.

The Sun today published an apology stating: “An article on 16 August reported that Manchester United footballer Tom Cleverley had begged a girl for sex after meeting her at a nightclub, even though he was dating a Page 3 model.

“In fact, entirely unknown to the girl it now transpires that the man involved, who looked like Tom Cleverley, was impersonating him. We apologise to Mr Cleverley for any embarrassment caused.”

David Price QC, acting for Cleverley, this morning read out an agreed statement in open court.

He said: “The claimant was extremely upset and embarassed by the article. He was not prepared to allow the article to remain unchallenged and therefore brought this claim for libel.”

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