The legendary Morrissey, formerly the Smiths, is always seen to be courting controversy. This time, however, the singer is particularly miffed and has dragged NME, one of U.K’s leading magazines, to court over alleged instances of libel. The musician, famous for his words of love and heartbreak, apparently refuses to have any publication talk for him.
NME, in 2007, alleged that the “There is a light” singer-songwriter made comments against immigration in the U.K. Morrissey along with his manager of the time, Merck Mercuriadis, characterized the statements as false, likening them to “character assassination.” Morrissey described the comments have been blatantly taken out of context, and publicized his decision to sue NME after the magazine refused to go back on its reportage and apologize.
The delayed lawsuit has finally been moved to trial irrespective of NMEs claims that it has no grounds since the publication has been out of print ever since the summer of 2008. The honorable Judge, presiding over the case, Justice Tugendhat, believes Morrissey’s claims to be very “serious,” considering the singers’ explanation as to seeking a delayed hearing as “credible” on grounds that follow the parting of ways with his manager, Mr. Mercuriadis, the singer was unable to receive necessary support from the ex-manager.
The BBC as per official statements, reports the judges belief, saying, “the imputation complained of in this action is a very serious one, the extent of publication was very wide,” and that, "Mr. Morrissey remains a prominent figure in the world of music, and NME is a magazine which enjoys an important place in that world."
The statements, responsible for the entire fiasco, accuse the singer of stating , “although I don't have anything against people from other countries, the higher the influx into England the more the British identity disappears. So the price is enormous…If you travel to Germany, it's still absolutely Germany. If you travel to Sweden, it still has a Swedish identity. But travel to England and you have no idea where you are.”
The case, however, is not expected actual trial court proceedings any time before 2012 (at least nowhere till next summer).
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