UK’s Telegraph apologises, pays libel damages to tech entrepreneur Zia Chishti

British newspaper The Telegraph has issued a formal apology and paid substantial damages to Pakistani-American entrepreneur Zia Chishti after publishing false and defamatory allegations against him.

Chishti had filed a libel lawsuit against The Telegraph at the UK High Court over thirteen articles published between November 2021 and February 2023.

These articles reported on allegations made by Tatiana Spottiswoode, a former employee, who accused Chishti of harassment and assault in testimony before the United States Congress. Chishti denied the claims and pursued legal action, leading to a lengthy legal battle.

The case involved a review of thousands of documents and personal communications, including messages in which Spottiswoode appeared to express romantic interest in Chishti. The court proceedings also revealed that she had publicly accused Chishti after he moved on to another relationship.

On Friday, The Telegraph conceded that the allegations were false, misleading, and defamatory. The newspaper issued an apology, retracting its position that the accusations were true.

Read: LHC upholds defamation ruling in favour of Pak-US tech entrepreneur

It acknowledged that Chishti was not given the opportunity to respond before Congress and confirmed that he had consistently disputed the claims. The apology will be prominently displayed on The Telegraph’s website and published in its print edition.

“The Telegraph withdraws its earlier position that the allegations were true and apologises to Mr. Chishti and his family for the harm caused,” the statement read. It also confirmed that Chishti would receive a substantial sum in damages and legal costs.

Chishti welcomed the apology

Speaking after the court ruling, Chishti welcomed the apology, calling it a step toward clearing his name. “These false allegations have severely damaged my reputation and business interests. I hope the U.S. Congress now gives me the same platform to refute them,” he stated.

Legal experts noted the significance of The Telegraph’s retraction. Alan Dershowitz, a prominent legal scholar, remarked that Chishti’s victory highlights the need for fair legal proceedings and due process.

Chishti’s U.S. legal team, led by Ben Chew, has also filed a defamation lawsuit against Spottiswoode and her attorneys, arguing that her congressional testimony was misleading.

Chishti, known for founding Invisalign and Afiniti, has faced significant personal and professional fallout since the allegations emerged. His legal victories in both Pakistan and the UK represent a major step in his efforts to restore his reputation.