Telegraph, one of the United Kingdom’s leading newspapers, has issued a formal apology to Pakistani-American technology entrepreneur Zia Chishti for publishing allegations of sexual misconduct against him. The newspaper acknowledged that it had reported on accusations made by Tatiana Spottiswoode, a former employee of Afiniti, to the United States Congress in a series of articles published between November 2021 and February 2023. Chishti, the founder and former CEO of Afiniti, has consistently denied the allegations and was not granted an opportunity to refute them before Congress.
Following legal proceedings initiated by Chishti against The Telegraph, the High Court in London examined one of the articles and determined that it had conveyed the claim that Chishti had “groomed Ms. Spottiswoode with sexual intent” since meeting her as a child and later engaged in an abusive and violent relationship with her. The Telegraph has now publicly withdrawn its stance on the allegations, stating that it no longer asserts their truthfulness or their publication as being in the public interest.
In a statement made in open court on March 17, 2025, The Telegraph formally apologized to Chishti and his family.
“The Telegraph apologises to Mr Chishti and his family for the harm they have been caused. Finally, The Telegraph has agreed to pay Mr Chishti a substantial sum by way of damages and a contribution to his legal costs. With these steps, The Telegraph and Mr Chishti have agreed to end the litigation between them.”
Chishti’s legal battle with the newspaper lasted over two years in London, where he sought to clear his name. After the court ruling, he addressed the media outside the courtroom, accompanied by his family and legal representatives.
“I did not commit the horrific acts Ms. Spottiswoode and The Telegraph alleged against me. These allegations have created a three-and-a-half-year ordeal that has critically hurt my family and severely damaged my reputation and business interests. The Telegraph has now withdrawn its position that the allegations it published were true and has apologised for the harm it has caused in publishing these allegations.”
He also expressed hope that he would be given a similar opportunity to defend himself in the United States.
“This apology helps repair the extensive damage to me in the United Kingdom. I am now hopeful that in the United States the newly elected Congress gives me the same platform to deny the allegations against me as it gave my accuser to make the allegations.”
The case highlights the ongoing legal complexities surrounding high-profile accusations, media responsibility, and the right to defend oneself against allegations in public and legal forums. The settlement marks a significant moment in Chishti’s efforts to restore his reputation, though the broader impact on his career and business interests remains to be seen.
Source: The News
