AceShowbiz -

Multiple Grammy-winning singer Elton John won undisclosed libel damages and an apology from London's Sunday Times on Thursday Feb 16th, 2006 stemming from a libel suit filed last summer by the star over a story published by the media which said he had acted "in a self-important, arrogant and rude manner" at one of his AIDS charity functions.

Detailing on the case, John has sued over a 2005 article in the Sunday Times headlined "Rock Royals Get Too Grand" about his AIDS Foundation Summer Ball. The story published by the media among others claimed the singer had issued a "bizarre and absurd edict to guests at his annual charity fundraising White Tie and Tiara summer ball not to address him unless spoken to".

Concerning the story, John's lawyer Hanna Basha claimed it brings embarrassment and distress to her client, particularly because he feared it would be damaging to his fundraising efforts. Though, Times Newspapers Ltd already accepted that the allegation was untrue and should not have been made. Thus, they agreed to publish an apology and pay damages to John which he will donate to his AIDS Foundation besides paying his legal costs.