Daily Express Pays Kate Beckinsale £20,000 Libel Damages

After claiming Chiswick born actress was 'passed over' for Barbarella remake

Chiswick born Kate Beckinsale has been paid £20,000 in libel damages over a newspaper claim that she had lost out on starring in the Barbarella remake.

The Daily Express had reported that the 35 year old actress had been passed over in favour of Hollywood actress Rose McGowan.

Beckinsale's solicitor told the High Court that the article was entirely false and had caused considerable embarrassment and harm.

He said,"The film industry, particularly at the highest level in Hollywood, values actresses on the basis of them being successful and in-demand - one may say, being 'hot property'.

"This article wrongly gave the impression that the claimant's career is in decline which would undoubtedly have a knock-on effect on those who would be casting film roles, as well as the industry as a whole."

Counsel for The Daily Express apologised and agreed to pay £20,000 plus Beckinsale's legal fees.

July 10, 2009