Technology giant Dyson has abandoned its defamation claim against Channel 4 and ITN, which had been brought over a broadcast on Channel 4 News.
Dyson sued Channel 4, and ITN, the makers of the programme, after a broadcast in February 2022. The broadcast concerned allegations of abuse and exploitation of workers by a company in Malaysia, ATA Industrial, that manufactured Dyson products, and Dyson’s handling of this matter. It reported on legal action taken by a group of migrant workers in respect of exploitative working and living conditions.
The corporate claimants, Dyson Technology Limited and Dyson Limited, were initially joined by Sir James Dyson.
Nicklin J ruled that the broadcast did not refer to either of the corporate claimants and that it did not defame Sir James Dyson. His decision on reference was overturned by the Court of Appeal, and a judgment on meaning was subsequently given by HHJ Lewis in February 2024.
The defendants filed a Defence, and Dyson discontinued the claim on 23 August 2024, before serving a Reply. Both Channel 4 and Dyson have made public statements about the proceedings following the discontinuance, and the claim for compensation by the migrant workers continues.
The conclusion of the proceedings was reported by Channel 4 News and featured on the programme, and reported by the Press Gazette.
Adam Wolanski KC, Gervase de Wilde and Luke Browne of 5RB, instructed by SMB, acted for the defendants.