Joey Barton Pays Jeremy Vine £75,000 To Settle ‘Bike Nonce’ Libel Claim

Former Premier League footballer Joey Barton has paid £75,000 to settle a libel claim with BBC Radio 2 presenter Jeremy Vine, following a highly publicized dispute that made headlines last year.

The controversy began when Barton, who played for clubs including Manchester City and Queens Park Rangers, tweeted a derogatory comment about Vine, calling him a “bike nonce” after the radio host was involved in a road rage incident with a cyclist. The term “nonce” is a British slang word for a sex offender, and Barton’s tweet was widely condemned as offensive and defamatory.

Vine, who is known for his calm and measured demeanor on air, took exception to Barton’s comment and launched a libel claim against the former footballer. The case was set to go to trial, but Barton has now agreed to pay £75,000 in damages to settle the claim out of court.

The settlement is a significant victory for Vine, who has consistently maintained that Barton’s tweet was a serious and damaging attack on his reputation. In a statement, Vine said: “I’m pleased that Joey Barton has accepted that his tweet was defamatory and has agreed to pay damages. I hope this settlement will serve as a warning to others who think they can use social media to spread false and damaging information about others.”

Barton, who has a history of controversy both on and off the pitch, has faced criticism for his behavior on social media in the past. This settlement is likely to be seen as a significant blow to his reputation, and may serve as a warning to other celebrities and public figures about the dangers of using social media to attack others.

The case has also highlighted the importance of responsible social media use, particularly for high-profile individuals who have a large following and significant influence. As social media continues to play an increasingly important role in our lives, cases like this serve as a reminder of the need for careful consideration and respect for others when posting online.

In the end, Barton’s decision to settle the claim out of court may have been a pragmatic one, avoiding the potential for further negative publicity and legal costs. However, the settlement is also a significant victory for Vine, who has stood up for his right to protect his reputation and challenge defamatory comments.

As the dust settles on this high-profile dispute, it remains to be seen what lessons will be learned from the case. One thing is certain, however: the importance of responsible social media use has never been more pressing, and celebrities and public figures would do well to take note of the consequences of their online actions.