Courts / Ireland / Report

Miriam O'Callaghan sues over "false and malicious" Facebook ads

Summary

Miriam O'Callaghan, a broadcaster, has filed a High Court claim against Facebook and Instagram for defamation. She alleges that false adverts appeared on social media in May 2018, using her image and name to promote a skincare range she did not endorse. The ads falsely claimed she had left her RTE position to focus on the product, described as a scam. Users who clicked were offered free trials that allegedly debited their bank accounts without authorization. O'Callaghan seeks a permanent injunction to stop the adverts and damages for malicious falsehood, unlawful appropriation of personality, breaches of constitutional rights and defamation. Her lawyers have obtained a Norwich Pharmacal‑style order from Facebook Ireland to disclose the identities of the advertisers, as Facebook has not removed the ads despite prior requests. The case is set to return to court next week.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Miriam O'Callaghan sues over "false and malicious" Facebook ads. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

• May 2018 Hearing Or Sentence
• December 18 Hearing Or Sentence
• January 19 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2019-03-14 Publication

Why: Ms O'Callaghan claims that persons, whose identities remain unknown to her, have placed these adverts in order to exploit the trust placed in her by the Irish public and have damaged her good name and reputation. CNI source report

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Hearing Or Decision

Read the original CNI report