http://www.luxist.com/2009/07/28/michael-broadbent-sues-over-billionaires-vinegar/ Luxist Comments for Michael Broadbent Sues Over Billionaire's Vinegar http://www.luxist.com/media/feedlogo.gif http://www.luxist.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/http://www.luxist.com/2009/07/28/michael-broadbent-sues-over-billionaires-vinegar/http://www.luxist.com/2009/07/28/michael-broadbent-sues-over-billionaires-vinegar/This isn't anything new...it happens that is was reported in the tabloid press last week but the decision to sue was taken as soon as the book went on sale in the UK, well over a year ago. In the book, numerous mistakes, misleading statements and quotes go against the more strict British laws that protect individuals from libel and defamation of character. Sadly, magazines like the National Enquirer exist in America because the laws relating to libel and defamation are very weak. The movie makers will have to think twice about releasing the film in the UK, if they use real names and follow the book's story line.]]>Jul 29th 2009 10:22AMhttp://www.luxist.com/2009/07/28/michael-broadbent-sues-over-billionaires-vinegar/http://www.luxist.com/2009/07/28/michael-broadbent-sues-over-billionaires-vinegar/The press release reads:
The libel action centred on the book The Billionaire’s Vinegar, the subject of which was the provenance of a number of bottles of wine said to have been owned by Thomas Jefferson. The book made allegations which suggested that Mr Broadbent had behaved in an unprofessional manner in the way in which he had auctioned some of these bottles and that his relationship and dealings with Hardy Rodenstock, who discovered the original collection, was suspected of being improper.

In a statement read out in open court today, Random House apologised unreservedly for making the allegations and accepted that they were untrue. It has given an undertaking not to repeat the allegations and paid Mr Broadbent undisclosed damages.

Commenting on the settlement Sarah Webb, head of Russell Jones & Walker’s Defamation department, who acted for Mr Broadbent said:

“The Billionaire’s Vinegar made highly damaging claims about my client that seriously compromised both his professional and personal reputation. We are delighted that Random House has today accepted that these allegations are totally without foundation and avoided the need to proceed to a full trial. My client is relieved that the good name he has built up over many years as one of the country’s leading wine experts has been fully restored.”

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