An action of defamation was taken by the singer following a column that appeared in The Guardian Newspaper earlier this year.

The columns author Marina Hyde wrote the satirical piece as if it was ELton Johns diary.  In it he mentions how he had once said to Nelson Mandela: " I love you, you adorable apartheid fighting teddy bear".He then goes on to suggest that he only uses the charity balls as an excuse to meet celebrities.

Elton John described the piece as  having a "gratuitously offensive, nasty and snide tone". However Mr Justice Tugenhat ruled against the singer saying " the words complained of....could not be understood by a reasonable reader of the Guardian as containing the serious allegation pleaded".

In a statement Guardian News and Media said:"We're sorry that Elton John lost his sense of humour over this article. The judgement is the recognition of the right to poke an occasional bit of fun".

Posted In Latest Music News, Dec 12 2008. Words - Stuart