Eni Aluko Wins Libel and Harassment Claim Against Joey Barton

Samuels Solicitors LLP represented former footballer and pundit, Eni Aluko, in her claim against Joey Barton for harassment and libel, in relation to a series of publications he posted on various social media platforms in 2024. 

A hearing took place on the morning of 10 March 2026 before Mr Justice Lavender in the Royal Courts of Justice. Instructed counsel, Gervase de Wilde of 5RB, made submissions on behalf of Ms Aluko. Mr Barton did not appear and was not represented. At the hearing, Lavender J ordered Mr Barton to pay Ms Aluko £339,000 in damages and costs in relation to her underlying claim. Mr Barton was also ordered to pay further sums in interest, plus the costs associated with the hearing yesterday. Lavender J further ordered that Mr Barton must not publish, by any means, any express or implied reference to Ms Aluko, and an injunction was granted against Mr Barton in these terms, subject to a penal notice. 

Senior Associate Solicitor at Samuels Solicitors LLP, Matthew Howe, attended the hearing in London with Gervase de Wilde. Matthew said afterwards: “This is a brilliant outcome for the client. Gervase de Wilde and Luke Browne at 5RB, along with Judith Thompson here at Samuels, worked very hard to bring this difficult case to a successful conclusion. High profile cases such as this can be fast moving and complex, and require a dedicated expert team who can respond quickly to developments in the case and in the media.”

The conclusion of this claim on behalf of Eni Aluko comes hot on the heels of a successful claim for harassment and defamation brought against Mr Barton by Jeremy Vine, in which the same legal team at Samuels Solicitors and 5RB were instructed. In that case, Mr Barton was ordered to pay Jeremy Vine significant sums in damages and costs, which has been well publicised in the media. 

Mr Barton's actions have caused immense distress to his victims, who have now been vindicated and compensated for the harm which Mr Barton has caused. His harassment and defamation of high profile individuals has proven to be a very expensive pastime for him. 

At Samuels, we have helped countless clients bring successful claims for defamation (libel and slander) and harassment. Our clients range from private individuals who have been harmed by publications in their local area, to high profile media, sports and political personalities who have been harassed and libelled by individuals using their own extensive social media platforms, in the full glare of the national media. 

If you have been the victim of libel or harassment, and you want to bring a claim for damages to obtain compensation and restore your reputation, we can help. 

Contact us to speak to one of the expert lawyers who brought Jeremy Vine's and Eni Aluko’s successful claim against Mr Barton today.

Image by TheOtherKev from Pixabay