Channel 5 apologises and pays substantial damages to a further victim of TV programme Can’t Pay? We’ll Take it Away!
A joint statement in open court was read on 18 June 2021 before Mr Justice Murray after Adanna Clarke, a private individual, accepted an offer of settlement in relation to the misuse of her private information in a broadcast of an episode of the television programme Can’t Pay? We’ll Take It Away!. She has also received a substantial damages payment, undertakings from Channel 5 not to further broadcast the episode in which she featured and an agreement to pay her reasonable legal costs.
The case: Adanna Clarke v Channel 5 Broadcasting Ltd
On 7 May 2015, two High Court Enforcement Agents (“HCEAs”) attended Ms. Clarke’s home to evict her, giving Ms. Clarke one hour to leave the property that she lived at with her one year old daughter. A film crew was in attendance with the HCEAs. Ms. Clarke made it clear to the film crew that she did not want to be filmed. However, the HCEAs who entered the home wore bodycams and radio microphones which were used to gain audio and video footage of Ms. Clarke, as well as her young daughter, their home and their possessions without her knowledge, and which was subsequently shown in the programme.
The episode was first broadcast by Channel 5 on 28 October 2015.The episode in question was broadcast to over 11.3 million people in a form in which Ms. Clarke’s face was shown and a further 2.2 million people in a form in which Ms. Clarke’s face was blurred. Ms. Clarke issued proceedings against Channel 5 for the misuse of her private information. The programme showed Ms. Clarke in her home and in the street outside and it wrongly revealed information that was private to her. The programme clearly showed Ms. Clarke in a state of considerable distress and the substantial level of damages offered by Channel 5 in settlement of her claim reflects the severity of the misuse of her private information.
Hamlins’ outstanding Media Disputes’ solicitors who acted on behalf of our clients comprise: Partner Alex Cochrane and Meera Khunti, Paralegal.
For other coverage see:
Evening Standard: Channel 5 apologises and pays damages to woman featured in show
If you think you have a claim against this programme or any other fly on the wall documentary then please contact us on cpwtia@hamlins.com. Find out more about Can’t Pay We’ll Take it Away Privacy Claims or contact or Chris Hutchings by email.
