Elton John vs. The Sun: Legal Battles Over False Allegations

Don't Let "The Sun" Go Down on Me



In 1987, the British newspaper The Sun published a report claiming that Elton John had been involved with "rent boys." The story was completely false, as Elton John was abroad at the time. The singer sued The Sun for defamation and won a record £1 million settlement, the largest ever in British history at that time. The newspaper was also forced to print a front-page apology, highlighting the consequences of irresponsible journalism.

Photo:
Elton John leaving his lawyers, 1988

Elton John won £1 million damages from the Sun newspaper. The settlement for untrue drug and rent boy allegations was reached on Sunday 11th, the day before the case came to court; pictured, Elton John pictured leaving his lawyers office. 12th December 1988.

On September 28, 1987, the British newspaper The Sun published a story titled "Mystery of Elton's Silent Dogs," falsely claiming that Elton John had subjected his dogs to surgery to remove their vocal cords, rendering them silent. This baseless accusation led Elton John to sue the newspaper for defamation. On December 12, 1988, The Sun issued a front-page apology with the headline "SORRY, ELTON" and paid Elton John £1 million in damages, the largest amount ever awarded in a defamation case in British history at the time.

These two cases reflect Elton John's determination to protect his reputation and hold the media accountable for spreading false information.