Model Naomi Campbell accepts apology, damages from newspaper that said she planned elephant polo match

VANCOUVER DESI

Naomi Campbell said there were never any plans for an elephant polo match in India last year. Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images

It turns out elephant polo was a no-go.

Accordingly, The Daily Telegraph newspaper in England has said sorry for publishing a story that claimed model Naomi Campbell was organizing such a match in honour of her boyfriend’s recent 50th birthday party in India.

Campbell’s lawyer in her case against the publication said the model was awarded “substantial” damages stemming from the report, which was published in November 2012, and received a formal apology in court.

The piece stirred backlash by animal rights activists, who were outraged the model would consider the activity as part of lavish plans for her Russian boyfriend Vladimir Doronin’s 50th birthday celebrations in Jodhpur.

The over-the-top bash was attended by stars including model Kate Moss, and took place in the 15th century fort that dominates the city.

Campbell said in a statement: “There were never plans to hold an elephant polo tournament, so the allegations should not have been published.

“However, I am glad that the matter has been resolved and I accept the newspaper’s apology.”

Lawyer Gideon Benaim added: “This is a very positive outcome for our client. The statement read in court today provides Ms Campbell with proper vindication in respect of false allegations that were repeated on a global scale.”

Campbell and Doronin have been dating since 2008 and currently live together in Moscow.

- With a file from IANS

Tags: Elephant polo, India, Naomi Campbell