#PhoneHackingScandal
The Fall of a British Tabloid
#PhoneHackingScandal
The Fall of a British Tabloid
The News of the World phone hacking scandal was a major media and political controversy in the United Kingdom that came to light in the early 2000s and peaked in 2011. Journalists and private investigators working for the British tabloid were found to have illegally accessed the voicemails of celebrities, politicians, members of the royal family, and even victims of crime, most notably murdered schoolgirl Milly Dowler. The revelation that the tabloid had deleted voicemails from Dowler’s phone sparked public outrage and led to the closure of the 168-year-old newspaper in July 2011. The scandal prompted multiple police investigations, high-profile arrests, and the Leveson Inquiry—a public investigation into press ethics and regulation. It exposed deep ethical failures within parts of the British press and raised serious concerns about media power and accountability.
Murdoch Emails Revealed: CEO Copied on Phone Hacking Discussions at News of the World
- Tuesday, 13 December 2011
James Murdoch was copied into emails discussing phone hacking at News of the World in June 2008. The emails mentioned a "nightmare scenario" and discussed Gordon Taylor’s case against the company. Mr. Murdoch claimed he only read the most recent email, which requested a meeting, and was unaware of wrongdoing at the company. He also stated that he did not read the full email chain and relied on an oral briefing instead.
Labour MP Calls for Sun Editor's Questioning Over Phone Hacking Claims
- Wednesday, 28 September 2011
Labour MP Tom Watson called for the editor of The Sun, Dominic Mohan, to be questioned about potential phone hacking involvement. Watson stated that it was only a matter of time before evidence links The Sun to the scandal. He also criticized News International chairman James Murdoch, stating he is not fit to lead BSkyB and questioning whether News Corporation should continue owning shares in the broadcaster due to alleged corruption and criminality.
Hugh Grant Charms Lib Dems with Phone Hacking Plea at Party Conference
- Sunday, 18 September 2011
Hugh Grant, known for his romantic comedies, appeared at a fringe event at the Lib Dem conference to discuss phone hacking. He charmed the crowd with his humorous and self-deprecating remarks, but also delivered a serious message about the need for politicians to take action on the issue. Grant questioned the use of the Official Secrets Act in the Operation Weeting inquiry and lambasted the tabloid press over invasion of privacy. He expressed hope that the Leveson inquiry would lead to changes and praised Lib Dem activists for their stance on the issue, while also saying he will attend conferences for all three main parties.
Man Bailed in Phone Hacking Probe as Operation Weeting Makes 15th Arrest
- Friday, 02 September 2011
A 30-year-old man was released on bail after being arrested by police investigating phone hacking at the News of the World. He was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to intercept voicemail messages and attempting to pervert the course of justice, and has been bailed until mid January 2012. This is the 15th arrest made as part of Operation Weeting, which is investigating illegal hacking of mobile phone voicemails by the now-defunct News of the World newspaper.
