Nicole Kidman Wins Damages

By: Shannon Gossage

The Daily Telegraph falsely reported that Kidman was wearing a competitor’s perfume while promoting her latest film The Golden Compass in London. The Daily Telegraph ran an article on November 28 that reported that Kidman, who is a spokeswoman for Chanel, told someone that her fave perfume was Jo Malon’s White Jasmine and Mint and not the scent that she promotes. It was also reported that Kidman was seen applying the perfume in between her interviews. Kidman became the face of Chanel in 2003 when she signed a reported $8.5 million contract.

Kidman slammed the slammed the reports and her lawyer said that she suffered "considerable embarrassment and distress" over the article. She was reportedly upset that the article claimed she had acted in an "unprofessional and disloyal manner." Kidman’s lawyer, John Kelly, also claimed that the tabloid had not even contacted Kidman to determine whether or not the story was even true. Said Kelly, "These allegations were not put to the claimant or her representatives prior to publication. Had the defendant done so, it would have been informed of their utter falsity."

The Daily Telegraph did concede that the allegations were "invented" by the source and agreed to undisclosed libel damages as well as paying Kidman’s legal fees. The tabloid has issued a published apology and printed a retraction as per terms of the settlement. Kidman, 40, is reportedly donating the money to UNIFEM, the United Nations Development Fun for Women. She serves as the goodwill ambassador for the organization.