ELTON JOHN LOSES LIBEL SUIT OVER CHARITY BALL!

SIR ELTON JOHN has lost a libel lawsuit against a British newspaper which wrote a satirical article poking fun at his annual White Tie and Tiara Ball. The Rocket Man hitmaker claimed a spoof article published in The Guardian's weekend supplement on 5 July (08), which implied overheads for the event were excessive and the charity bash was just a means of self-promotion, was "gratuitously offensive".

He sought unspecified damages and an apology in the suit, filed at London's High Court. But the suit was thrown out on Friday (12Dec08) and the rocker has been refused the right to appeal and ordered to pay court costs. A spokesperson for the newspaper says of their favourable ruling, "We're sorry that Elton John lost his sense of humour over this article. The judge and, we suspect all readers - saw the article for what it was; a piece of mild satire.

Newspapers have published satire since the 17th century in this country: the judgment is an important recognition of the right to poke the occasional bit of fun." This year's (08) ball raised a record $20 million (GBP13.4 million) for the Elton John Aids Foundation.