Crispin Odey Sues Financial Times for £79m Over Libel Allegations

The hedge fund manager claims significant reputational and financial harm from articles alleging sexual misconduct, which the FT stands by as public-interest reporting.

• Crispin Odey has filed a £79m libel lawsuit against the Financial Times over four articles published in 2023 alleging sexual misconduct involving multiple women.
• The FT's investigative reporting included claims from 19 women accusing Odey of sexual assault or harassment between 1995 and 2023, which Odey has denied as 'rubbish.'
• Odey argues the articles caused 'very serious harm' to his reputation, career, and future earnings, which he estimates at £144m, and led to his temporary departure from Odey Asset Management.
• Odey Asset Management was wound down after banks cut ties following the allegations, but Odey returned as a director in September 2024 after nine partners resigned.
• The Financial Times has stated it will 'vigorously defend' its reporting, emphasizing its public-interest value, with its legal defense due by January 2025.

3 Articles

The Guardian Evening Standard The Independent