August 29, 2024
Channel 4 and ITN have today confirmed that Dyson has dropped his libel case against Channel 4 News, after two years of court proceedings.
Channel 4 and ITN have today confirmed that Dyson has dropped his libel case against Channel 4 News, after two years of court proceedings.
Dyson is suing Channel 4 and the programme’s maker, ITN, after the program reported on appalling conditions in factories in Malaysia where Dyson products are manufactured.
In February 2022, the Channel 4 News investigative team revealed how a group of migrant workers, recruited by Dyson contractor ATA IMS from countries including Nepal and Bangladesh to make equipment for Dyson, took legal action alleging exploitative working and living conditions.
It reports how concerns about forced labor conditions at ATA have been flagged to Dyson until 2019; Dyson’s concerns were categorically rejected until September 2021 when an extensive audit revealed serious abuse at the factory. ATA also denied the allegations.
Before the broadcast, Channel 4 News made the allegations against Dyson official. Dyson responded by warning that if the program carried out the allegations, it could be liable for billions of pounds in damages. Believing in journalism, Channel 4 News broadcast the story.
A long and expensive two-year legal battle is now over, after the program submitted a lengthy 184-page defense to the High Court.
Sir James Dyson’s individual charges against the report were dropped in 2022, after the High Court ruled that allegations of exploitation of workers at factories used to supply goods to the company did not incriminate him.
Campaigners are now hailing the result as a victory for public interest journalism.
In a joint statement, Channel 4 and ITN said:
“Channel 4 and ITN have confirmed that Dyson has dropped its claim to the programme, two years after investigating the appalling conditions at the Malaysian factory where Dyson products are made.
Despite the lengthy and costly legal process, Channel 4 News is determined to defend fair, accurate and impartial reporting. Freedom to report without fear or choice is essential to a thriving industry and democracy.
Today’s results underline the vital role of robust and clear independent investigative reporting in the public interest and set an important precedent for the future of investigative journalism in the UK.
In a statement to Channel 4 News ahead of tonight’s broadcast on the case, Dyson said:
“We strongly reject the false claims made by Channel 4 News in the broadcast. It is ATA – an independent manufacturer – that must answer questions about the treatment of workers in Malaysia. Dyson will not admit to mistreatment of workers anywhere in the world and will defend its reputation if necessary .
“It would be wrong to characterize this defamation action as a SLAPP. It is a valid complaint against the false claims made in the broadcast that damage Dyson’s reputation. Like anyone, Dyson is allowed to exercise his rights and defend his reputation through the Courts.
Speaking to Channel 4 News to report on the case today, Charlie Holt of the UK Anti-Slap Coalition said:
“These legal tactics are used by anyone who wants to block accountability. We have seen them used by the Russian oligarchs, by companies such as Dyson, and other powerful figures. And they are used against various communities who want to exercise their democratic rights to speak and increasing responsibility.
“These lawsuits are a form of legal bullying designed to force targets to retract their criticisms. And they do so by using the court process to harass, intimidate and increase costs.
Meanwhile, Dhan Khumar Limbu and 22 other former migrant workers continue to fight for compensation from Dyson who denies responsibility. Dyson is vigorously fighting his claim – and the next hearing will be at the Court of Appeal.
