The libel claim brought by the film director Beau Kerouac against The Independent has settled in his favour.
Mr Kerouac is an artist, executive producer and director in the film industry in the UK and US.
In February 2025, The Independent published the article ‘ “Aspiring Artist” accused of faking Hollywood career to swindle movie investors out of $500k’. It was based on false allegations of fraud made against Mr Kerouac in the New York court in a civil claim which was ultimately discontinued. Mr Kerouac sued The Independent in libel.
Mr Kerouac’s libel claim was finally resolved in his favour when on Thursday 8 October William Bennett KC, for Mr Kerouac, explained to Mr Justice Eardley in a statement in open court that the allegations made against Mr Kerouac were false. The Independent’s solicitor apologised to Mr Kerouac and acknowledged that the article had been withdrawn and that damages and costs had been paid to him.
The statement in open court can be read in full here.
The Press Gazette reported the statement in open court here.
5RB’s William Bennett KC and Samuel Rowe acted for the Claimant, instructed by Edwards Duthie Shamash.
