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Will Smith Wins Libel Suit Over Hitler Slur

London news agency apologizes for claiming actor praised dictator

By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff

Posted Feb 22, 2008 4:25 PM CST
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(Newser) – A London news agency must pay undisclosed damages and apologize to Will Smith for publishing a story that erroneously quoted the actor as saying Adolf Hitler was a “good person.” E! Online reports that the World Entertainment News Network picked up and greatly distorted quotes from Smith’s interview with Scotland’s Daily Record to create its gossip piece, which received worldwide media attention.

Smith’s lawyers argued that while WENN had run a correction, no media outlets had circulated it, so “the libel remains at large." Smith considers Hitler “a vile and heinous man," said one of the lawyers. WENN is paying Smith’s legal costs, in addition to the settlement, which the movie star is donating to charity.

Actor Will Smith poses for a photo in Los Angeles in this Nov. 30, 2007 file photo. The Anti-Defamation League said Wednesday, that it accepts Will Smith's explanation that he never praised Adolf Hitler in remarks the actor says were misinterpreted. (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian, File)
Actor Will Smith poses for a photo in Los Angeles in this Nov. 30, 2007 file photo. The Anti-Defamation League said Wednesday, that it accepts Will Smith's explanation that he never praised Adolf Hitler...   (Associated Press)
German Chancellor and Fuehrer Adolf Hitler is shown in this official 1937 photo. Will Smith sued WENN for publishing that the actor had said Hitler was a good person. (AP Photo)
German Chancellor and Fuehrer Adolf Hitler is shown in this official 1937 photo. Will Smith sued WENN for publishing that the actor had said Hitler was a "good person." (AP Photo)   (Associated Press)
Actor Will Smith poses for a photo in Los Angeles in this Nov. 30, 2007 file photo. The Anti-Defamation League said Wednesday, that it accepts Will Smith's explanation that he never praised Adolf Hitler in remarks the actor says were misinterpreted. (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian, File)
Actor Will Smith poses for a photo in Los Angeles in this Nov. 30, 2007 file photo. The Anti-Defamation League said Wednesday, that it accepts Will Smith's explanation that he never praised Adolf Hitler...   (Associated Press)
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WENN apologizes for Hitler libel
BBC

Smith: Hitler not a 'good person'
Telegraph (UK)

 
libel • Adolf Hitler • tabloids • Nazi • Will Smith • World Entertainment News Network • false accusations

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