Hugh Grant's Call for Investigation

Hugh Grant has thrown his weight behind a growing call for a police investigation into alleged criminal activities at News Group Newspapers (NGN), following the high-profile settlement between Prince Harry and the publication earlier this week.

Grant's Appearance on BBC

During an appearance on the BBC’s Today program, the acclaimed British actor, who is also a Board Director of the anti-hacking campaign Hacked Off, expressed that the objective of both Harry’s case and his own lawsuit against NGN slated for 2024 was to ignite a fresh criminal inquiry into the newspaper group. Unfortunately, both cases have faced hurdles within the UK civil court system.

Concerning Settlement Details

The actor emphasized that the battle is far from over, especially in light of the recent settlement where Harry's lawyer highlighted the urgent need for police and parliamentary investigations into not just the illegal activities admitted by NGN, but also deeper issues like perjury and attempts to cover up these offenses.

Financial Struggles and Legal Fees

Prince Harry reportedly secured an eight-figure settlement, following a similar privacy claim settled by Grant a few months prior. Reflecting on his own legal struggles, Grant noted the severe financial risks he faced, even presenting the possibility of a £10 million ($12.3 million) bill in legal fees despite winning his case due to peculiarities in the UK's legal system.

NGN's Acknowledgment of Misconduct

In a historic move, NGN publicly acknowledged criminal misconduct within The Sun for the first time, attributing the misdeeds to “private investigators” rather than their journalistic team. The company's follow-up statement claimed the settlement 'closes the chapter on previous litigation,' but many, including Grant, believe lingering concerns about the organization's internal operations remain.

The Potential Trial and Broader Accusations

Should Prince Harry's case have proceeded to trial, it is widely believed that NGN would have had to confront broader accusations related to a purported cover-up involving privacy violations. Grant poignantly remarked that the individuals who once issued orders during the height of these scandals still occupy influential positions within NGN.

Metropolitan Police Response

Responding to the calls for an investigation, a spokesperson from the Metropolitan Police indicated that they are awaiting further information from involved parties. Metropolitan Police Chief Mark Rowley reminded the public that significant investigations had already been conducted over a decade ago regarding these matters, culminating in several prosecutions.

Calls for Leveson 2 Inquiry

In addition to demands for a police investigation, Grant has urged the newly appointed Labour government to revitalize the 'Leveson 2' inquiry into phone hacking and privacy violations. However, Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has stated that this inquiry will not be pursued, prompting Grant to express his understanding of the trepidation politicians feel toward the influential Murdoch organization.

Conclusion

'This is precisely why we need robust leadership from our Prime Minister,' Grant commented. 'Governments, especially a Labour government, should be actively safeguarding the public against corporate abuse and illegal actions.' The saga surrounding Rupert Murdoch's media empire continues to unravel, raising significant questions about the ethics of journalism and the protection of individual rights within the industry. Stay tuned as we monitor this developing story!