Eni Aluko's Career Affected by Joey Barton Libel Case

Eni Aluko, a former England striker and veteran broadcaster, says her career in sports media has suffered due to her ongoing libel case against Joey Barton, following defamatory social media posts he made about her. Despite winning the first stage of the High Court case, Aluko reports a significant decrease in television opportunities over the past 18 months, attributing this decline to the professional risks women face when standing up for themselves in male-dominated industries. She highlights a persistent double standard and limited opportunities for female broadcasters, stating that women are often competing for just a handful of spots. Aluko also described the intense personal impact of the online abuse she received, including threats of violence and the need to disguise herself in public. The judge ruled some of Barton's posts as defamatory, and while Barton has not yet responded or appealed, Aluko says the damage to her career and well-being has already been done. She urges greater caution and accountability for online behavior, emphasizing the real-life consequences of social media attacks.