Eni Aluko triumphs in libel case against Joey Barton, who has been ordered to pay £339,000 in damages and legal fees for sharing defamatory posts about Aluko on a social media platform in 2024. The High Court ruled in Aluko’s favor, with Barton being instructed to pay substantial damages and cover Aluko’s legal expenses. Barton, absent from the hearing, was reported to be in custody after being arrested.
Shortly after the court proceedings, Aluko took to Instagram to share her relief, posting a video of herself smiling and giving a thumbs-up as she left the courthouse. In her post, she expressed gratitude to her legal team, family, friends, and supporters for standing by her during the two-year legal battle.
Aluko, speaking outside the London court, expressed her satisfaction with the outcome. Barton was ordered to make an initial payment of £100,000 plus interest by March 24, with the option to request changes within seven days. Barton’s barrister acknowledged that Barton’s online campaign against Aluko, which included 48 posts over eight months, had caused significant distress to Aluko. The barrister further stated that Barton had accepted his actions as harassment and acknowledged their wrongful nature.
Aluko’s legal team emphasized the harmful impact of Barton’s campaign, which included derogatory posts and imagery, on Aluko’s life and well-being. Aluko’s concerns about Barton’s continued harassment tactics were also highlighted during the proceedings.