Billboard
11/30/07


Former Smiths frontman Morrissey is suing music magazine NME for defamation after it printed an article in which he discussed his views on immigration in Britain.

The magazine criticized the 48-year-old singer for allegedly saying Britain had lost its identity as a result of higher levels of immigration than other European countries.

"We can confirm we have received two writs from Morrissey's legal representatives pertaining to NME and its editor Conor McNicholas," a spokesman for NME said today (Nov. 30). "NME takes this matter -- and the issues it highlights -- extremely seriously and we are currently in discussion with our own legal representatives."

Yesterday, Morrissey's representatives issued a statement on Web site www.true-to-you.net. "The NME had until 1.00 p.m. today (Thursday) to agree to print a suitable apology to Morrissey," it said. "Their only response to this deadline was to say that they 'do not have time to respond to the allegations.' Our lawyers are therefore in the process of issuing legal proceedings for defamation against the NME and its editor, Conor McNicholas."

In the interview, Morrissey was asked whether he would consider moving back to Britain from Italy. He is quoted as replying that high immigration levels meant England's identity was disappearing, unlike other countries like Germany or Sweden.

In a follow-up interview to discuss the original comments, Morrissey is quoted as saying that high immigration was not the reason he would not want to live in England, and that expense and pressure were important factors.

In the midst of the hubbub, it was announced that Morrissey had signed a new record deal with Polydor/Decca, which includes the United States.

With this title I thought it was some printed rumors about his sexuality..

jn2 said:

Like suggesting he might possibly be heterosexual?

Did he sue www.morrissey-solo.com too? I can´t access this website for several weeks now. Very strange.

theplejades said:

I'm glad I'm not the only one who cannot get into morrissey-solo anymore- what happened? It's still running as a friend, who can access the site, informs me of news etc. Strange.

Morrissey lives in Italy? Cool.

After all the insults he's thrown? Hypocrite.

PANDURITO said:

His "no sex" myth was funny and intriguing in the 80s, now it's a bit pathetic imo.

stevenpottle said:

Ah.....OK....maybe your friend could send them an E-mail and ask why so many people can´t access the site.

It was no secret that Morrissey didn´t like the site because of some of the remarks by many trolls on their forum. He called the site Morrissey-soLow. So It wouldn´t have surprised me if he sued them. Sounds familiar doesn´t it?
But the situation there was a lot worse compared to Princes unofficial Sites in my opinion.
[Edited 12/2/07 5:03am]

All the NME has to do is produce the recording or the notes of the interview and the suit will be thrown out.