Crispin Odey suing Financial Times for £79m in libel damages, documents show

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Hedge fund manager Crispin Odey is seeking at least £79 million in damages from the Financial Times after suing the publication for libel, documents filed at the High Court show. The claimant has suffered very serious harm to his reputation as a result of the publication of the articles complained of and is likely to continue to do so until he achieves vindication through these proceedings Adam Speker KC Mr Odey has previously denied the allegations against him, telling the FT they were “rubbish”. In documents related to the libel battle filed at the High Court, seen by the PA news agency on Monday, Mr Odey’s lawyers claimed he had suffered a “very significant financial loss” as a result of the articles, but that he “will limit his claim to the sum of £79 million”. Adam Speker KC, for Mr Odey, said: “The articles complained of made allegations against the claimant of a gravely defamatory nature, including allegations of clearly criminal conduct.” He continued: “The claimant has suffered very serious harm to his reputation as a result of the publication of the articles complained of and is likely to continue to do so until he achieves vindication through these proceedings.” He added: “The claimant has suffered serious distress and embarrassment as a result of the publication of the articles complained of.” The four articles at the centre of the legal action were published between June and July 2023.