Hugh Grant Settles Phone Hacking Lawsuit, Gets ‘Substantial Sum’ In Damages

Hugh Grant has settled his phone hacking lawsuit against News International, publisher of the now defunct News of the World tabloid. The settlement yielded positive results for the actor, with Grant receiving an undisclosed but purportedly hefty amount.

The deal was made with Rupert Murdoch’s News Group Newspapers which serves as parent company to News International. Mark Thompson, legal representation for the star, confirmed the settlement on December 21, according to The Guardian.

Although Thompson did not reveal the amount of the settlement agreement, he did say Grant plans to donate the monetary award:

“Hugh Grant has today settled his claims for damages and other legal remedies arising out of the unlawful activities of News of the World journalists and others over a number of years. News Group Newspapers have agreed to pay him a substantial sum by way of damages. He has instructed us to donate all of his damages plus an additional payment from him to the Hacked Off Campaign for a free and accountable media. This will be done as soon as payment is received.”

Grant is a staunch supporter of the Hacked Off campaign, a media reform group that is pushing for stricter oversight of Britain’s press practices.

According to an article in The Huffington Post, when the Murdoch scandal rocked Britain, the actor was one of the first celebrities to come forward. News of the World was found to have hacked the phones of numerous high profile individuals in an effort to gain access to possible news stories. A full-blown scandal ensued revealing a history of illegal practices within the British newspaper industry.

How much do you think Hugh Grant should be awarded in the settlement of his phone hacking lawsuit?