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.