Campbell v. MGN Limited
House of Lords
[2004] UKHL 22
British newspaper the Mirror, owned by MGN Limited (defendant), published a front-page story detailing supermodel Naomi Campbell's (plaintiff) drug addiction and treatment, including covertly taken photographs of her outside a Narcotics Anonymous meeting; after Campbell sued, the Mirror published further critical articles about her. Campbell claimed breach of confidence and sought compensation under the UK's Data Protection Act 1998; the trial court ruled for Campbell, the Court of Appeal reversed, and Campbell appealed to the House of Lords.
Whether a public figure retains legal protection against a media outlet's publication of private information exceeding what is necessary to serve a legitimate public interest.