Joey Barton Ordered to Pay Eni Aluko £300k After Libel Case

LONDON (Azat TV) – Former England footballer and pundit Eni Aluko has been awarded over £300,000 in damages and legal costs after successfully suing Joey Barton for libel concerning a series of social media posts made in 2024. The High Court ordered Barton to pay the substantial sum after proceedings were stayed, marking a significant legal victory for Aluko.

Targeted Campaign of Vilification Detailed

During a Tuesday hearing, the court was informed by Aluko’s barrister, Gervase de Wilde, that Barton had published 48 posts about the former England international on his X account between January and August 2024. De Wilde described this as a “deliberately targeted public campaign of vilification,” which included a deeply disturbing image superimposing Aluko’s head onto the body of notorious serial killer Rosemary West. Barton had also falsely claimed Aluko “cynically sought to exploit her status as an alleged victim of racism and bullying” and labelled her a hypocrite. The sustained attack, the court heard, caused Aluko significant emotional distress.

Barton’s Arrest and Custody

Joey Barton, who previously managed Fleetwood Town and Bristol Rovers, did not attend the London hearing. His barrister informed the court that Barton had been arrested on Monday in connection with an alleged serious assault and was currently being held in custody. This arrest occurred prior to the libel case hearing, adding a layer of complexity to the proceedings. Barton faces charges of wounding with intent related to an incident near Huyton and Prescot Golf Club on Sunday night, where a man was found with facial and rib injuries.

Legal Order and Aluko’s Reaction

Mr. Justice Nicholas Lavender granted Barton seven days to request any amendments to the court order. The initial payment of £100,000 plus interest is due by March 24. Barton has now accepted that his campaign against Aluko constituted harassment and that he should not have made the publications in question. Aluko, who attended the court hearing, expressed her relief, stating, “I’m glad it’s the end.” The legal action stemmed from two posts made by Barton in 2024 on the social media platform X.

This ruling underscores the severe consequences of online harassment and defamation, particularly when targeting individuals with false and damaging accusations. The substantial damages awarded reflect the gravity of Barton’s actions and the distress caused to Eni Aluko.