Hollywood’s favorite charmer, Hugh Grant, is back in the headlines—but this time, it’s not for a rom-com comeback. The beloved Notting Hill star is taking on media mogul Rupert Murdoch, demanding a new criminal investigation into the infamous News Group Newspapers (NGN).
Grant’s call comes hot on the heels of Prince Harry’s bombshell $10 million settlement with NGN, which included the company’s first-ever admission of criminal wrongdoing at The Sun. The actor, known for his fierce stance against tabloid intrusion, believes the fight is far from over. Speaking passionately on BBC Radio 4, he didn’t hold back, claiming that NGN has been “gaming the system” to avoid true justice for years.
“They’ve spent £1 billion to make sure these things are never looked at in court,” Grant said, adding that the company’s fear of proper judicial findings could pave the way for a fresh police probe.
Hugh Grant vs. Rupert Murdoch: A Long-Running Battle
For those who’ve followed Grant’s long-standing feud with Murdoch’s media empire, this latest development isn’t surprising. The British heartthrob has been an outspoken critic of the press after alleging that NGN used private investigators to hack his phone and even burgle his home.
Despite reaching his own settlement with NGN in 2024, Grant insists he did so under duress, fearing the crippling legal costs that could have followed—even in victory. NGN, of course, denies any wrongdoing and claims the settlement was reached “without admission of liability.”
But for Grant, the fight is far from over. He argues that while some of the lower-level culprits have faced justice, the real masterminds behind the scandal remain untouched.
“The foot soldiers have paid the price, but the people who commanded all this? They’re still in positions of great power,” he emphasized.
Prince Harry’s Settlement: A Game-Changer?
Prince Harry’s recent settlement marks a turning point in the decades-long battle against NGN. After years of legal wrangling, the company finally admitted to criminal activity—a groundbreaking development that has sent shockwaves through the media industry.
Insiders say that the Duke of Sussex’s settlement could open the floodgates for other high-profile victims to seek justice, and Grant is determined to make sure the opportunity isn’t wasted.
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Social media has erupted with support for the actor’s calls for a criminal investigation, with many pointing out the staggering sums NGN has spent on settlements and legal fees to avoid accountability.
Is This the Beginning of the End for Murdoch’s Empire?
The renewed scrutiny on NGN could spell trouble for Murdoch’s media empire, which has long been accused of unethical journalism tactics. The spotlight is now firmly on whether authorities will take action, with Grant and others rallying for a full-scale inquiry.
Legal experts suggest that if a new investigation is launched, it could lead to serious criminal charges for some of the most powerful figures in the media world. And if there’s one thing we know about Hugh Grant, it’s that he’s not backing down without a fight.
The Celeb World Reacts
Grant’s bold stance has sparked reactions across Hollywood and beyond. Fellow celebrities who’ve had their own run-ins with intrusive media tactics—like Sienna Miller, Meghan Markle, and Elton John—have all voiced their support for stricter press regulations in the past.
Fans are rallying behind Grant on social media, with hashtags like #JusticeForVictims and #MurdochExposed trending.
What’s Next?
With Grant’s call for justice growing louder, all eyes are now on British authorities. Will they heed his demands and launch a new criminal probe? Or will Murdoch’s media machine manage to dodge accountability once again?
One thing’s for sure: this celebrity-driven scandal isn’t going away anytime soon. Stay tuned for more twists and turns as Hugh Grant fights for what he calls the “justice we all deserve.”
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