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Judge Tosses Elton John Libel Suit

Satire emerges the winner after singer sues Guardian over spoof diary

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Dec 13, 2008 8:03 AM CST

(Newser) – Teasing Elton John doesn't breach libel laws, a British judge ruled yesterday. The notoriously testy singer sued the Guardian for publishing a satirical piece purporting to be a snippet from Elton's diary and poking fun at his lavish White Tie and Tiara Ball. Elton claimed it was defamation but the court decided the piece was perfectly acceptable ironic humor.

"We like to give guests a preposterously lavish evening, because they're the kind of people who wouldn't turn up for anything less," reads one excerpt from the "diary." The singer may seek to appeal the decision but experts believe the ruling will stand as a precedent that brings British law closer to the US system where, as one media expert puts it, "you can't get damages for satire and humor, except in the most exceptional cases."

[Images (4)]

[Quotes (1)]

Musician Elton John, arrives to the Broadway opening of his show Billy Elliot The Musical, in New York, Thursday, Nov. 13, 2008. (AP Photo/Stuart Ramson)

Elton John performs at the Champlain Valley Expo Center, Vt., Monday, July 21, 2008. (AP Photo/Toby Talbot)

Elton John belts out a song during a concert near Adeje on the Spanish Canary Island of Tenerife, off the western coast of Africa, Thursday Jan 24, 2008. (AP Photo/Arturo Rodriguez)

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We're sorry that Elton John lost his sense of humour over this article. The judge—and, we suspect all readers—saw the article for what it was: a piece of mild satire. - Guardian editor Alan Rusbridge

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Judge Tosses Elton John Libel Suit