LONDON – Model Naomi Campbell won damages from a British newspaper on Thursday over a report claiming she was planning to organize an elephant polo tournament for her partner’s birthday in India, her lawyer said.
The Daily Telegraph formally apologized in court for the story published in November and agreed to pay a “substantial sum” in damages and legal costs, the model’s lawyers, Michael Simkins Solicitors, said in a statement.
They said the story had included condemnation by animal rights activists of Campbell’s alleged plans for her Russian boyfriend Vladimir Doronin’s 50th birthday celebrations in Jodhpur, which were re-published widely in the Indian press and elsewhere.
The extravagant birthday party in Jodhpur in November was attended by stars including model Kate Moss, and took place in the 15th century fort that dominates the city.
Campbell said in a statement: “There were never plans to hold an elephant polo tournament, so the allegations should not have been published.
“However, I am glad that the matter has been resolved and I accept the newspaper’s apology.”
Lawyer Gideon Benaim added: “This is a very positive outcome for our client. The statement read in court today provides Ms Campbell with proper vindication in respect of false allegations that were repeated on a global scale.”
Campbell and Doronin have been dating since 2008 and currently live together in Moscow.