Makosi wins 'six-figure sum' in libel case

Makosi wins 'six-figure sum' in libel case

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By Showbiz Reporter

ZIMBABWEAN Big Brother star Makosi Musambasi has been paid a "six-figure sum" by The Sun newspaper in damages over claims that she was part of a TV "con".

Makosi, 26, who came third on 2005's Big Brother 6, had sued Britain's top-selling tabloid newspaper over an article in August that year, said solicitor David Price.

Makosi told New Zimbabwe.com Thursday night that "money was never the issue".

"I wanted them to accept that what they said about me was not true," she said.

Makosi and her lawyer insisted that part of the out of court settlement with the newspaper barred them from revealing the amount paid out to the former nurse.

But a friend said last night: "It's a six-figure sum. She can afford not to work for the next three years."

Makosi's lawyer told Justice Eady at the High Court in London that the article alleged Makosi was really an actress and had been part of a "con" to bypass the normal audition process and get fast-tracked on to the show.

A reference was made to an invoice from a talent agency to Big Brother, which The Sun said was for a professional video made on Makosi's behalf.

Price claimed that the invoice was wholly unconnected with Makosi, who had gone through the normal audition process, and that the newspaper now recognised that.

He added that Makosi was hurt and embarrassed by the article and had complained to the newspaper, which made an offer of amends and agreed to the amicable settlement of the claim.

No details of the settlement were given in court but it is understood that Makosi received undisclosed damages.

Makosi recently launched a charity called the Big 5 Africa and hopes to run in the London Marathon in April to raise money for children with special needs as part of her charity work (see website or donate).

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