BBC and Channel 5 presenter Jeremy Vine has delivered emotional testimony in the High Court, revealing how footballer-turned-pundit Joey Barton's repeated 'paedophile' accusations placed him in genuine physical danger.
'I feared for my life' - Vine's stark court admission
Vine described to Mrs Justice Steyn how Barton's social media campaign, which included multiple false allegations of paedophilia, transformed his daily existence into a nightmare of security concerns and public confrontations.
'The word paedophile is probably the most dangerous word you can put next to someone's name in 2025,' Vine stated during his testimony. He detailed how the abuse escalated from online vitriol to real-world threats that required immediate security measures.
From keyboard to courtroom: The escalation of abuse
The court heard how Barton's posts on X (formerly Twitter) in January 2024 sparked a torrent of abuse that quickly spilled into Vine's physical reality:
- Multiple death threats requiring police involvement
- Aggressive confrontations from strangers in public places
- Necessary installation of enhanced home security systems
- Constant fear for the safety of his wife and children
Vine recounted one particularly chilling incident where a man approached him on the street, shouting: 'I know what you are, I've seen you on Joey Barton's feed.'
The human cost of online defamation
Beyond the physical danger, Vine described the profound emotional and professional impact of Barton's allegations. The broadcaster, known for his measured presenting style, revealed the toll on his mental health and the strain on his family life.
'When you're called a paedophile online, it changes everything,' Vine told the court. 'It changes how you walk down the street, how you interact with people, how you parent.'
The case continues as Vine seeks substantial damages for defamation and harassment, while Barton maintains his defence of honest opinion.
