Payout over false Epstein sex claims

AN interior designer falsely accused of procuring a 16-year-old to be sexually abused by Jeffrey Epstein has been given “substantial compensation” by a newspaper publisher.

News Group Newspapers (NGN) apologised to Susan Hamblin at the High Court yesterday, after The Sun online published three articles and a video reporting on a US legal claim about abuse by the late sex offender.

Judge Mr Justice Nicklin was told the articles in July 2020 and June 2021 included false allegations that Ms Hamblin had “groomed and procured” the teenage girl for Epstein.

Amber Courtier, for Ms Hamblin, told the court: “The articles said that while the young woman was being raped by Mr Epstein, Ms Hamblin ignored her cries for help and, when the rape ordeal was over, paid her 500 US dollars (£400).

“The articles also alleged that Ms Hamblin bore responsibility for the young woman suffering great distress, including suicidal feelings, prompting the woman to self-harm.

“These allegations are untrue.”

Ms Courtier said her client had never met the woman, “let alone engaged in any of the conduct alleged”.

She added that The Sun online had “accepted the allegations were false” and had removed the articles.

The court was also told that NGN had agreed to pay Ms Hamblin “substantial compensation”.