In a landmark decision, a civil court in the U.K. took a strong stance against conspiracy theories that have plagued victims of high-profile tragedies. Richard Hall, a U.K. conspiracy theorist, has lost a lawsuit brought against him by Martin and Eve Hibbert, survivors of the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing during an Ariana Grande concert. The court found Hall responsible for harassment and abusing media freedoms by promoting a false narrative that the bombing had been staged and the victims were "crisis actors."
Survivors of Manchester Arena Bombing Prevail in Lawsuit Against Conspiracy Theorist
Survivors of Manchester Arena Bombing Prevail in Lawsuit Against Conspiracy Theorist
A British court has ruled against a conspiracy theorist who claimed the 2017 Manchester bombing was fake, highlighting the impact of false narratives on victims' lives.
The Hibberts, who suffered severe injuries in the attack, argued that they had endured years of harassment from Hall, who attempted to disprove their presence at the concert and conflate their experiences with dubious theories. Justice Karen Steyn emphasized the recklessness of Hall’s actions, which she described as a negligent abuse of media freedom. The case has drawn comparisons to a similar legal battle in the U.S. involving Alex Jones, who faced severe consequences for promoting conspiracy theories about the Sandy Hook shooting.
Hall, who authored a book and created videos asserting the bombing was a hoax, recorded private footage of the Hibberts without their consent and even canvassed their neighbors for support of his claims. As a result of the incident, Martin Hibbert is paralyzed while his daughter Eve now requires full-time care due to severe brain damage from the attack. Following the ruling, Martin stressed the emotional toll and confusion that allegations of a hoax had on him and his family, affirming the importance of truth in the aftermath of such tragedies.
A further hearing will take place to address the damages to be awarded to the Hibberts, with their legal representative stating that the ruling sends a powerful warning to those who propagate unfounded conspiracy theories that harm innocent victims.
Hall, who authored a book and created videos asserting the bombing was a hoax, recorded private footage of the Hibberts without their consent and even canvassed their neighbors for support of his claims. As a result of the incident, Martin Hibbert is paralyzed while his daughter Eve now requires full-time care due to severe brain damage from the attack. Following the ruling, Martin stressed the emotional toll and confusion that allegations of a hoax had on him and his family, affirming the importance of truth in the aftermath of such tragedies.
A further hearing will take place to address the damages to be awarded to the Hibberts, with their legal representative stating that the ruling sends a powerful warning to those who propagate unfounded conspiracy theories that harm innocent victims.
