Hugh Grant Urges Deeper Inquiry into Tabloid Practices Following Prince Harry’s Settlement; Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson Announce Separation After a Decade

In the wake of Prince Harry’s recent settlement with News Group Newspapers (NGN) over allegations of illegal information gathering, actor Hugh Grant has called for a more thorough investigation into the practices of Rupert Murdoch’s media empire. Grant, who previously settled his own privacy claim against NGN, emphasized that civil suits alone are insufficient to uncover the full extent of wrongdoing. He advocates for a criminal investigation to achieve true accountability. 

Prince Harry’s lawsuit accused NGN’s publications, including The Sun and the now-defunct News of the World, of engaging in unlawful information gathering between 1996 and 2011. The settlement, reached on January 22, 2025, reportedly includes an eight-figure sum in damages and a full apology from NGN. However, no apologies were issued by senior executives from that period. 

Grant contends that such settlements allow media organizations to avoid full judicial scrutiny, potentially hindering new criminal investigations. He urges the Crown Prosecution Service to take action, highlighting the need for deeper accountability within the British press. 

In related news, Prince Harry is involved in another legal battle against Associated Newspapers, the publisher of the Daily Mail, alleging illegal information gathering. The case, which includes other high-profile figures like Elton John and Hugh Grant, is scheduled for 2026. Recently, the claimants’ legal costs were capped at $5.1 million, down from the originally proposed $24.7 million. 

Meanwhile, the entertainment industry is abuzz with other developments. Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson have announced their separation after a decade of marriage, with signs of trouble evident in recent months.  Additionally, rumors have resurfaced regarding a potential relationship between former President Barack Obama and actress Jennifer Aniston, though both parties have previously dismissed such claims. 

As these stories unfold, the public remains keenly interested in the intersections of media accountability and celebrity affairs.