Beckinsale Wins Libel Damages

10 July 2009

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Kate Beckinsale has been awarded $30,000 in libel damages after a U.K. newspaper reported she missed out on her dream role as Barbarella.

The Van Helsing star filed a lawsuit after the Daily Express wrongly alleged she was "heartbroken" that she was passed over for the title role in a remake of the 1968 movie.

The article, which the tabloid ran last month (Jun09), claimed the snubwas "a real blow" to Beckinsale.

heartbroken that she was passed over for the title role in a remake of the 1968 movie

But her lawyer, Graham Atkins, told London's High Court the story was entirely false and had caused considerable embarrassment and harm to the actress.

He insisted the 35 year old had never been attached to the film in any way and had never held any discussions about appearing as the heroine, adding "This article wrongly gave the impression that the claimant's career is in decline which would undoubtedly have a knock-on effect on those who would be casting film roles, as well as the industry as a whole".

Representatives for the Daily Express apologized and offered to pay Beckinsale's damages and legal fees.

Beckinsale was not in court for the hearing.

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