A spokesperson for the Financial Times said that the newspaper would “vigorously defend” its reporting. (Jonathan Brady/PA Wire URN:43238497 (Press Association via AP Images))
Former hedge fund manager Crispin Odey is suing the Financial Times for libel following allegations of sexual assault published almost a year ago.
Odey filed the case in the High Court on Wednesday, challenging claims made by several women who accused him of harassment and assault. The accusations, published by the Financial Times and Tortoise Media, involved women with both social and professional ties to Odey. He has firmly denied the allegations, dismissing them as “rubbish.”
According to Press Gazette, the Financial Times received a legal letter from Odey’s lawyers over 11 months after the initial report but without waiting for the Financial Times’ response, a libel claim was issued.
A spokesperson for the Financial Times said that the newspaper would “vigorously defend” its reporting, which they believe was meticulously researched and in the public interest.
The investigation led to Financial Times journalist Antonia Cundy winning New Journalist of the Year at the British Journalism Awards as well as a nomination for the Paul Foot Award for Investigative and Campaigning Journalism for the reporters involved.
In the wake of the accusations, Odey resigned from Odey Asset Management, the hedge fund he founded, which was subsequently wound down after several banks severed ties.
Press Gazette reported a hearing in the libel case is expected to take place at a later date.
