Rock icon Cliff Richard wins UK High Court privacy case
LONDON — British rock icon Cliff Richard was awarded 210,000 pounds ($273,000) in damages Wednesday after winning a privacy lawsuit against the BBC for its coverage of a police raid at his home.
Richard had sued the broadcaster for its coverage of the 2014 raid, when police were investigating alleged sex offences. The coverage included a helicopter that circled the star’s home as authorities conducted a search.
The 77-year-old singer was never arrested or charged with any crime. Police don’t normally identify people suspected of crimes in Britain until they are charged. His lawsuit claims he suffered “profound” damage to his reputation.
The BBC disputed his claims and editors said the coverage was done in good faith.