Tattle Life founder allegedly used fake name in libel case

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 24 Oct, 07:44 · Archive

The founder of gossip forum Tattle Life allegedly operated under a pseudonym to evade a couple's libel lawsuit.

The founder of online gossip forum Tattle Life operated under a fake name as part of alleged attempts to 'escape' a Co Antrim couple's attempts to sue for libel, the Court of Appeal heard. Counsel for entrepreneurs Neil and Donna Sands claimed Sebastian Bond was fully aware of their legal action while he used the pseudonym Helen McDougal.

The couple have been locked in a legal battle over postings on Tattle Life, a controversial site where comments are made about influencers, celebrities and other members of the public. They claimed to have been subjected to harassment, invasion of privacy, defamation and breach of data rights. In December 2023, Mr and Mrs Sands were each awarded £150,000 in damages.

Earlier this year, however, the award of damages was set aside at the High Court in Belfast based on an alleged abuse of process. Mr Justice Humphreys identified failures to properly serve writs on either Mr Bond or a Hong Kong-based company linked to the action. The couple are now appealing against the High Court verdict. Lady Chief Justice Dame Siobhan Keegan reserved judgment and pledged to give a ruling as soon as possible.

How it is being reported

• Tattle Life forum founder ‘used fake name’The founder of online gossip forum Tattle Life operated under a fake name as part of alleged attempts to “escape” a Co Antrim couple’s attempts to sue for libel, the Court of Appeal heard today.News Letter · 24 Oct, 07:18
• Tattle Life founder used fake name to “escape” Co Antrim couple’s libel action, court toldReserving judgment in the appeal, Lady Chief Justice Dame Siobhan Keegan pledged to give a ruling as soon as possibleBelfast Live · 23 Oct, 17:43

In this story: Neil Sands · Donna Sands · Sebastian Bond · Tattle Life · Co Antrim

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