'Fraser vs BBC: Expect Fireworks', Press Gazette

Friday, April 01, 2005

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Fraser warns BBC: ‘Expect fireworks in copyright row’
By James Silver

Celebrity photographer Jason Fraser's bid to appeal against a copyright ruling could bring Victoria Beckham to court to back his view that pictures of her were used unfairly without payment.

Fraser sued after 14 of his images appeared in an edition of Tabloid Tales on BBC One hosted by former Daily Mirror editor Piers Morgan.

Mr Justice Mann ruled that the pictures could be used without consent under the defence in copyright law of fair dealing, which allows the reproduction of images for the purposes of criticism, review or news reporting.

Describing the ruling as "preposterous"and a "green light to copyright thieves everywhere", Fraser told Press Gazette: "Criticism and review implies that the programme was impartial, but I am now in a position to prove that Tabloid Tales was nothing more than a PR puffing exercise on behalf of the Beckhams.

"From their point of view I'm delighted the programme was positive, but let's face it, Victoria Beckham was in danger of being licked to death by Piers Morgan. It was a programme full of tittle-tattle. It was hardly the Today programme."

Fraser, who is known for his close relationship with the star couple as well as other celebrities he photographs, added: "So far I have been hamstrung by not being able to reveal confidential sources. I have now been released from those obligations.

"I am going to produce evidence that will make it crystal clear that this programme was always going to be a positive portrait of Victoria Beckham. Certain people were given assurances that she would get an easy ride on Tabloid Tales.

"I don't expect Piers Morgan to hold his hand up, but if anyone thinks I am not going to be more forthcoming now then they are wrong. Expect fireworks. I am confident that not only will we win at appeal court on the point of law, but as a result of my evidence there will be a lot of very embarrassed people who will be shown to have lied."

Refused leave to appeal, Fraser will take his case to the Court of Appeal. He would not confirm that Victoria Beckham will be testifying on his behalf, but there is speculation that, given his close ties to the star, a court appearance from her is on the cards.

Tabloid Tales was produced by Brighter Pictures, part of Endemol, for the BBC.

Fraser's loss at the High Court last week has landed him with a legal bill running "comfortably into six figures".

Following Wednesday's ruling, picture agency Matrix followed Fraser's own company, Fraser Woodward, in blocking the corporation and Brighter Pictures access to their picture libraries.

The BBC has already settled out of court with Fraser over its unauthorized use of two of his pictures of Paul McCartney and his wife Heather Mills in an another edition of Tabloid Tales.

He is also in dispute with the broadcaster and production company over his shots of Anthea Turner.

Fraser said any damages would be donated to the NPF journalists charity.

(Press Gazette, 01 April 2005)

Posted by James Silver - On Friday, April 01, 2005

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