Joey Barton settles defamation claim with Jeremy Vine

Joey Barton has apologized to Jeremy Vine and agreed to pay him £75,000 in damages for defamatory comments on social media. Barton made false allegations about Vine having a sexual interest in children and supporting forced vaccination. The High Court ruled that Barton's posts were defamatory, and he has agreed to pay damages and legal costs to resolve the claims. Barton admitted that the allegations were untrue and apologized to Vine for the distress caused. The abusive posts were part of a calculated and sustained attack, with one particular phrase trending on the platform. Barton's career history includes playing for teams like Manchester City and Newcastle United, as well as management with Fleetwood Town. He has a history of legal issues, including assault and affray charges. Vine responded to Barton's criticism of women in football, leading to a series of abusive posts from Barton. The court found that Barton's posts contained clear references to Vine having a sexual interest in children, with the word "nonce" carrying a defamatory meaning. The judge ruled that the posts could defame Vine and were not just meaningless abuse in the heat of the moment. Barton's online apology and agreement to pay damages mark the resolution of the defamation and harassment claims brought by Vine.