LONDON: Britain’s Daily Mail newspaper on Wednesday apologized to US First Lady Melania Trump and agreed to pay her damages over an article that included allegations that she worked as an escort in the 1990s.
“The defendant is here today publicly to set the record straight, and to apologize to the claimant for any distress and embarrassment that the articles may have caused her,” Catrin Evans, the lawyer for Associated Newspapers, publisher of the Daily Mail and MailOnline, told the High Court in London.
Although the total amount of damages was not disclosed, the Press Association news agency said it was believed to be under $3 million (2.8 million euros).
John Kelly, Melania Trump’s lawyer, said the article in the Daily Mail — Britain’s second biggest-selling newspaper — in print and online in August last year “included false and defamatory claims.”
The allegations “questioned the nature of her work as a professional model, and republished allegations that she provided services beyond simply modelling,” Kelly said.
The article stated that there was no support for the allegations and provided denials from her spokesperson and from Paolo Zampolli, who ran the modelling agency where she worked.
But the allegations “strike at the heart of the claimant’s personal integrity and dignity,” Kelly added.
Trump’s lawyers launched a lawsuit against the Daily Mail in September in New York, asking for $150 million in damages.
The paper had already published a retraction in September, saying it “did not intend to state or suggest that these allegations are true.”
In documents filed in February, the US first lady said that because of the Daily Mail’s allegations she and her brand had missed out on “multiple millions of dollars” in licensing, marketing and endorsement opportunities that would otherwise have been available to someone spending time as “one of the most photographed women in the world.”
She said the publication had prevented her from reaping the “once-in-a-lifetime” windfall to be had as a business lady married to new US President Donald Trump.
Daily Mail pays Melania Trump damages over escort claim
Daily Mail pays Melania Trump damages over escort claim
Where We Are Going Today: Chicken Industry in Qatif
If you were to ask me what the perfect weekend treat-yourself meal is, my first choice would be fried chicken, followed by fried chicken, followed by a burger (but make it fried chicken).
One of my favorite spots for this delicious indulgence is Chicken Industry in Qatif, which, over the past few years, has become a hometown classic.
They also opened another branch in Olaya, Alkhobar.
The great thing about Chicken Industry is that you really cannot go wrong with any item on their menu; the burgers, broasted, twister, tenders, and nuggets are all very well-seasoned, juicy, and crispy.
All their menu items are available in spicy and mild options.
They have a few burger selections.
The original chicken sandwich, which comes with American cheese, pickles, and their signature industry sauce (a must to get on the side with any order), is their take on the classic Popeyes/Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich.
If you want to try a different type of sauce, you could give the black pepper buttermilk sandwich a go — a good option for those who like a balance of flavors between creamy and slightly zingy.
My go-to, however, is the chicken zinger, which comes with American cheese, mayonnaise, and lettuce — a no-fuss burger that has all the right toppings, sauce, and seasoning for the chicken.
Although, I would appreciate the option to add tomato as well for a little something fresh in there.
All of the Chicken Industry burgers come with a soft brioche bun. No notes; it’s a great bun.
The twister, made with two crispy tenders, is also a crowd favorite and comes in a few different options: the original with mild sauce, the fiery twister with spicy sauce, the classic with pepper mayo, and the spicy twister with pepper mayo as well.
Whether you do not want to commit to the full bun burger or just prefer a tortilla, the twister is a great option to either accompany or be the star of your meal.
Now onto the big kahuna: the broasted. If you really want to indulge, this is the option for you.
It comes with four pieces, either spicy or mild (trust me, get the spicy), and is served with garlic sauce on the side.
Although nothing compares to the Chicky Fry broasted, this one is a very close second. The chicken is so juicy and flavorful with wonderfully crispy skin; my mouth is watering just thinking about it.
Their nuggets are good, though not amazing — fun to snack on, but I wouldn’t call them a necessity and definitely not as good as their tenders or other options.
And I must say the Chicken Industry French fries could use some improvement; not the greatest texture or flavor, just sort of meh. I will continue to order them because at the end of the day, they are fries, and they’re alright. Besides, no fried chicken meal is complete without fries.
And do not forget to get the sauces on the side: the cheese, the garlic, the industry mild or spicy, buffalo, barbecue, and buttermilk, depending on your preference. They all complement the meal very well.
