Champion of Reputations: Protecting the Famous and the Everyday Citizen. With Paul Tweed

In this episode, Niall Boylan sits down with Paul Tweed, one of the world’s most respected and feared defamation lawyers, whose client list boasts names like Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears, Harrison Ford, and many Irish politicians. Tweed, with over 35 years of legal experience, takes listeners through his incredible career, discussing everything from scraping his way into Queen’s University during the Troubles in Northern Ireland to becoming an international authority on libel law. His new book, From Hollywood to Hollywood: My Life as an International Libel Lawyer for the Rich and Famous, documents his journey and the high-stakes world of representing A-list celebrities.

The conversation delves deep into the challenges of defamation law, with Tweed recounting landmark cases, such as the “Last Chocolate Éclair” case in Northern Ireland and the vicious five-week Barry McGuigan lawsuit. He also highlights the significance of the Reynolds case, which set new standards for journalistic integrity: “The Reynolds case became a marker for libel actions, introducing the seven standards journalists must meet.”

Tweed explores the complexities of social media defamation, where anonymity often shields people from legal repercussions. He recalls the lengths his team went to expose an anonymous online troll attacking BBC presenter Stephen Nolan: “We found him and got a six-figure settlement. He had to re-mortgage his house to pay.”

AI-generated content, a new battleground for defamation cases, is another key point of discussion. Tweed warns of its dangers, saying, “In 2024, Big Tech is Big Brother. AI can now create indistinguishable human likenesses. Imagine someone using your face, voice, and mannerisms to endorse a scam. The future is frightening.”

He also touches on the financial hurdles of defamation lawsuits, especially for the average person, remarking, “Libel courts are not for the faint-hearted or those without deep pockets. Defamation law has become a playground for the rich.”

Despite the heavy subject matter, Tweed offers lighter moments, discussing his celebrity clients and the perks of his career, from attending Hugh Hefner’s parties to mingling with stars on Hollywood sets. However, he stresses that most of his clients are more interested in setting the record straight than in chasing massive settlements: “It’s about protecting their brand, not the money.”

This episode is a must-listen for anyone intrigued by the world of high-profile legal battles, media law, and the future of online accountability.