Background of the case
The High Court heard how the father of former rugby star Paddy Jackson was left “crushed” by unfounded online accusations that he tried to influence a witness in his son’s rape trial. The case, brought by Peter Jackson against Irish reality TV figure Danielle Meagher (also known as Danielle Collins), centers on tweets published on X (formerly Twitter) in April 2018 that alleged criminal dishonesty and attempted bribery. The plaintiff says the statements were factually false and damaging to his reputation and personal life.
The impact on the Jackson family
Lawyers described a life upended by the allegations. Peter Jackson and his wife Gay said their lives were “decimated” by the claims, which persisted for years online. He reportedly became socially withdrawn, lost confidence, and even suffered a stroke while researching social media posts about the case. His wife testified that the public lies had a lasting emotional toll, stating that he became fixated on monitoring new posts and retweeting or debunking claims to protect his name.
The broader context
Weeks before the defamation case progressed, Paddy Jackson, then 33, and Stuart Olding, 32, were acquitted in Belfast of rape charges stemming from the same incident that drew intense media scrutiny. While the criminal trial ended in acquittals, the reputational fallout from online statements lingered for those connected to the case, including family members who bore the social and personal consequences long after the verdicts.
What the court heard about the defendants’ actions
Mr. Jackson told the court that the alleged libelous tweets were not only false but intentionally damaging, describing the experience as a sequence of blows designed to undermine his integrity. He recalled a period when he felt under constant attack from social media, with the defendant later denying knowledge of the tweets and suggesting the account was operated by a talent agency. The claimant’s legal team argued that the false statements were part of a sustained campaign to tarnish the family’s reputation.
Personal toll and calls for accountability
Describing the personal toll, Mr. Jackson emphasized that his daily life was overwhelmed by the need to verify information and respond to continuing online scrutiny. He expressed a desire to face the claimant directly to seek an explanation and apology, but this did not materialize. His wife described a deterioration in his confidence and social engagement, highlighting how the case extended beyond a courtroom into their everyday existence.
What happens next
With judgment already secured against Ms Meagher in the defamation matter, the court reserved its damages award, indicating that a determination on compensation would follow as soon as possible. The High Court case thus moves toward a resolution that could compensate for reputational harm and the emotional strain endured by the Jackson family.
