Sadie Frost Testifies Daily Mail Publisher Put 'Price on My Head' in Phone Hacking Trial
The actor Sadie Frost has delivered a powerful and emotional testimony at the High Court, alleging that the publisher of the Daily Mail placed a "price on my head" by repeatedly using information obtained from her private calls and sensitive personal records. Frost, who arrived at court with her son Finlay Munro Kemp on Monday, is one of seven high-profile claimants accusing Associated Newspapers Ltd (ANL) of unlawful information gathering practices spanning more than a decade.
Horrifying Email Reveals Journalist's Interest
During her appearance, Frost described being horrified by an email that suggested a Mail on Sunday journalist had confirmed to a convicted phone hacker that he was interested in obtaining information about her. The actor recounted how this revelation made her feel targeted and violated, particularly when it involved her family's private matters.
"There had been a price put on my head," Frost told the court. "The Daily Mail had said they were interested in Sadie Frost."
Eleven Stories and Private Medical Information
Frost is specifically complaining about eleven stories that appeared between 2000 and at least 2010, along with two incidents of unlawful information gathering that did not result in published articles. One particularly sensitive case involved her ectopic pregnancy in 2003, which she believes was accessed through improper means.
The actor became visibly distressed as she described the impact of these private stories becoming public knowledge. She emphasized that some articles contained "word for word" quotations from voicemails that she had carefully worded, suggesting direct interception of her private communications.
Key Evidence from Convicted Phone Hacker
The claimants' legal team presented crucial evidence in the form of an April 2006 email from the late convicted phone hacker Greg Miskiw. In this correspondence, Miskiw recounts a conversation between Frost and her former nanny with direct quotes, while also referring to a child psychologist involved with her family.
According to the claimants' representatives, these "verbatim quotations are from the fruits of voicemail interception." The email exchange becomes particularly damning when Miskiw asks a Mail on Sunday journalist: "Are you interested in Sadie Frost? I might have a story about her." The journalist's response was unequivocal: "Of course we are interested in Sadie."
Family Impact and Legal Response
In her written witness statement, Frost expressed particular distress about how these actions affected her son. "I was horrified that anybody would do this to my son and because of me," she stated. "I could not believe how cold blooded they were to be 'interested' in my private dispute and my son's medical information for sale in a newspaper."
The actor described the situation as "so cruel and horrible" that she immediately instructed lawyers to investigate what had happened and determine the full extent of the intrusion into her private life.
Publisher's Defence and Cross-Examination
ANL's legal team has characterized the allegations against the publisher as "lurid" and "preposterous." They maintain there is little evidence that stories about the claimants were obtained unlawfully, arguing instead that journalists secured information through legal means and legitimate sources.
During cross-examination, lead barrister for ANL Antony White KC presented Frost with articles that quoted her sister, mother, and father, suggesting they had willingly provided information to the media. White argued that this family cooperation had encouraged other members of her social circle to speak with the press.
Frost's Rebuttal and Social Circle Dynamics
Frost strongly contested these suggestions, stating that her mother would never have shared truly private information and was often merely responding to information already released by the press. She described how among her friends, speaking to the press was considered "very taboo," and anyone who did so would be "cut out of the group."
When questioned about a specific story concerning her young daughter swallowing an ecstasy pill found on the floor at a private club, Frost explained she had been largely isolated during that difficult period. "I wasn't going out having tea and cake," she testified. "I was holed up at home, distressed, trying to be a good mum."
High-Profile Claimants and Ongoing Trial
Frost joins six other prominent claimants in this landmark case against Associated Newspapers Ltd. These include Prince Harry, who has already given evidence, along with actor Elizabeth Hurley, Doreen Lawrence (mother of Stephen Lawrence), Sir Elton John and his husband David Furnish, and former Liberal Democrat MP Simon Hughes.
The trial represents one of the most significant legal challenges to newspaper publishing practices in recent years, with all claimants alleging systematic unlawful information gathering by one of Britain's largest newspaper publishers. The proceedings continue as both sides present their evidence and arguments before the High Court.
