Elon Musk’s X Ordered to Pay George Galloway’s Legal Costs in Defamation Case

[Social Media]

 

Elon Musk's social media platform, X (formerly known as Twitter), has been ordered to cover legal costs in a defamation case brought against it by George Galloway, the former MP. The case, heard in Dublin where X's European headquarters are based, stems from the platform labeling Galloway’s account as “Russian state-affiliated media” in 2022.  

 

The contentious label was applied to Galloway’s profile before Musk acquired the platform later that year. Although X scrapped the labeling system in April 2023, Galloway argues that the designation was defamatory and damaging to his reputation. He has consistently denied any affiliation with the Russian state.  

 

The legal battle reached a critical juncture on October 21, when the Dublin High Court gave X six weeks to respond to the case. X complied but was also ordered to pay Galloway's legal costs associated with the motion. The court imposed "a stay on execution pending the determination of the proceedings" and directed both parties to submit sworn affidavits supporting their claims by January 30, 2025.  

 

Kevin Winters, a partner at KRW Law Advocates Ltd, which is representing Galloway, highlighted the significance of the affidavit deadline as a pivotal moment in the case. "This requires both sides to formally substantiate their respective claims," Winters stated. The firm sees the case as emblematic of broader issues facing social media platforms, particularly regarding accountability for past actions amid policy shifts and leadership changes.  

 

Winters emphasized that the High Court’s decision to order X to pay legal fees underscores the challenges platforms like X face in addressing grievances tied to previous management practices. He added that this case reflects the complexities of navigating reputational disputes in the rapidly evolving landscape of digital platforms.  

 

As the proceedings continue, the case highlights the legal and reputational risks for social media companies in managing content and user labeling, especially when such actions are perceived as unjust or damaging. This dispute not only affects the individuals involved but also sets a precedent for future challenges to platform policies, especially in the context of leadership changes and evolving operational frameworks.

 

Based on a report by National Scot 2024-12-05