WPP's Sorrell suing former Italian head over 'mad dwarf' libel |
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Published
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Wed, 14 Mar 2007 15:03
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LONDON (AFX) - WPP Group chief executive Martin Sorrell has launched a libel and invasion of privacy lawsuit against two former Italian business associates, who allegedly labelled him a 'mad dwarf' in a private email.The action dates back to the dismissal of WPP's former head of operations in Italy, Marco Benatti, following allegations of financial irregularities at the unit early last year.In his opening arguments to the High Court this morning, Sorrell's counsel, Desmond Browne QC, said Benatti and his associate Marco Tinelli had been compelled to disseminate libellous comments after Sorrell sacked him.'Vicious images' of both Sorrell and WPP's chief operating officer in Italy, Daniela Weber, had appeared on a series of internet blogs, 'grossly intrud(ing)' into their private lives, argued Browne.Tinelli was also 'directly involved' in the dissemination of the images, as there was 'no doubt he felt just as hostile to Sir Martin and Miss Weber', Browne said.Tinelli even referred to them as 'the mad dwarf and nympho schizo', and there was information on his computer linking him to the images, according to Browne.'While the forensic evidence all points to Benatti and Tinelli being responsible, rather than shadowy individuals they blame but do not name, they have continued to swear blind that they had nothing to do with any of this,' added Browne.The two men deny all the allegations.In separate actions, Benatti is suing WPP for wrongful dismissal, while the advertising giant has launched a breach of contract claim against him.The libel hearing, expected to last at least three weeks, continues.newsdesk@thomson.comdm/sd/nesCOPYRIGHTCopyright AFX News Limited 2007. All rights reserved.The copying, republication or redistribution of AFX News Content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of AFX News.AFX News and AFX Financial News Logo are registered trademarks of AFX News Limited
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