Tabloids People, News of the World and the Sunday Mirror were all caught purchasing confidential information regarding plastic surgery of several celebrities.
Three separate tabloids were recently caught in a sting operation in the United Kingdom when they tried to obtain private plastic surgery information about public figures.
The People, News of the World and the Sunday Mirror all allegedly sought to purchase confidential medical details about actors Hugh Grant, Ricky Gervais and other noted celebrities. It turns out the details were fake – all part of a trap set forth by Chris Atkins, a documentary filmmaker who went undercover.
Atkins said he was trying to see “how far tabloid journalists are prepared to go” to get private celebrity information. However, in the UK, obtaining private medical records without the patient’s consent can be a breach of the Data Protection Act. Possible consequences are still pending, but some footage of the meetings will be in a documentary Atkins has made called “Starsuckers.” It was released October 30. Video plays below.
November 25th, 2009 at 7:30 am
NEWS OF THE WORLD STATEMENT
Like every other newspaper, we engage with people who approach us with stories.
On this occasion, we made it abundantly clear from the outset and throughout, that any story would have to be justified by a public interest.
As there was obviously no public interest in this case, the News of the World did not pursue the matter and no information was purchased nor story published.
Further, we are confident our reporter followed the correct procedure and abided by the law and PCC Code of Practice.
ends