Ariana Grande Concert Survivors Win Lawsuit Over 'Staged' Attack Claims

Manchester Attack Survivors Triumph in Defamation Case

“I have no doubt that his course of conduct was a negligent...”

Survivors of the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing win defamation case against TV producer who claimed the attack was staged.

A British father and daughter, Martin Hibbert and Eve, have won a harassment lawsuit against Richard Hall, a former television producer. Hall had made false claims in various media outlets, including videos, a film, and a book, suggesting that the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing was staged and that no one was harmed or kille.

Hall's claims were not only harmful but also harassing, as he even went so far as to secretly film Eve, who was seriously injured in the attack. The Manchester Arena bombing, which occurred after an Ariana Grande concert, resulted in the loss of 22 lives.

Martin and Eve Hibbert took legal action against Hall for his damaging allegations. In order to prove emotional distress in court, they would have had to demonstrate that Hall's behavior was reckless or intentional, causing them severe emotional harm.

The court's ruling in favor of the Hibberts sends a strong message that spreading harmful and false information can have serious consequences. If you or someone you know is experiencing harassment or emotional distress, there are resources available to help. You can report harassment to the police, and if the perpetrator has harassed you more than once, they can be charged with criminal harassment. Additionally, you may be able to take civil action against the harasser and seek compensation for emotional distress.

“I have no doubt that his course of conduct was a negligent, indeed reckless, abuse of media freedom,” High court judge of Queen's bench division, UK, Justice Karen Steyn wrote.

Adding that, “over a period of years, he has repeatedly published false allegations, based on the flimsiest of analytical techniques and dismissing the obvious, tragic reality to which so many ordinary people have attested.”

On May 22, 2017, Salman Abedi detonated a bomb hidden in his backpack as fans exited Ariana Grande's concert at Manchester Arena, claiming 22 lives and injuring over 260 people. The devastating attack also left countless others with profound psychological trauma.

Hashem Abedi, Salman's younger brother, was convicted of 22 counts of murder for his involvement in planning the heinous attack. He received a minimum sentence of 55 years in prison, marking some measure of justice for the victims and their families.

Facts: 

• Date: May 22, 2017
• Location: Manchester Arena, UK
• Perpetrator: Salman Abedi
• Fatalities: 22
• Injuries: Over 260
• Psychological trauma: Extensive
• Convicted accomplice: Hashem Abedi
• Sentence: 55-year minimum

Martin Hibbert, a survivor of the Manchester Arena bombing, suffered severe injuries, including paralysis from the waist down. His daughter, Eve, then just 14, miraculously survived despite life-threatening injuries and now lives with significant brain damage.

In a landmark ruling, the judge found in favor of the Hibberts, acknowledging the harm caused by Richard Hall's false claims. The judge reserved damages and data protection violations for a future hearing.

Martin Hibbert hailed the verdict as a “comprehensive victory.” He seeks an injunction against Hall and advocates for ”Eve's Law” to safeguard others from similar harm.