Steve Coogan Settles Defamation Claim Over Richard III Film Portrayal

Steve Coogan, his production company Baby Cow, and Pathé Productions have settled a libel claim with Richard Taylor, a university academic who sued over his portrayal in the 2022 film "The Lost King," which depicts the discovery of King Richard III's remains. Taylor, portrayed by Lee Ingleby, was depicted negatively in the film as "smug, unduly dismissive and patronising," with allegations that he knowingly misrepresented facts, which the court found defamatory. The settlement includes substantial damages paid to Taylor, changes to the film to remove the defamatory content, and coverage of Taylor's legal costs. Judge Jaron Lewis and Justice Collins Rice acknowledged the seriousness of the defamation and the distress caused to Taylor, emphasizing the impact of his portrayal in the film. The resolution of this case is seen as significant for real-life TV and film dramatizations, potentially influencing how individuals are depicted in such works. Coogan and the producers expressed their commitment to integrity in portraying real-life stories while acknowledging the importance of the settlement.