Courts / Ireland / Report

Gemma O'Doherty ordered to remove videos about Beaumont Hospital

Date
2021-07-09
Stage
Hearing Or Decision

Summary

Gemma O'Doherty was ordered by a High Court judge to remove three videos she posted online that were deemed defamatory. The videos alleged that staff at Dublin's Beaumont Hospital were forced to receive experimental Covid‑19 injections, that the hospital had killed thousands, harassed unvaccinated staff, and employed "psychopaths" who had committed crimes against humanity. The judge found no reasonable defence for O'Doherty and ruled that the statements were devoid of substance. He emphasised that while journalists have a duty to report on matters of public interest, they must not recklessly impugn others' good names. The court did not prohibit O'Doherty from publishing about the hospital or its director, but the injunctions to remove the videos remain pending the full hearing of the defamation action. The case was brought by the hospital and its director of nursing, represented by Eoin McCullough SC and Michael Binchy BL.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Gemma O'Doherty ordered to remove videos about Beaumont Hospital. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

Case subjects

Gemma O'Doherty

Defendant

Places mentioned

Court Venue
  • High Court
Facility
  • Dublin's Beaumont Hospital

Topics

Stage Hearing Or Decision

Read the original CNI report

Correction or retraction request

If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.

Email a correction request