Former England footballer Eni Aluko has been awarded over £300,000 in damages after winning her libel case against Joey Barton. The High Court ruled that Barton's social media posts constituted harassment and ordered him to pay substantial damages plus legal costs. The case centered on two posts Barton made on X in 2024, where he accused Aluko of exploiting her status as an alleged victim of racism and bullying.

The court heard that Barton published 48 posts targeting Aluko between January and August 2024, including one that superimposed her head onto serial killer Rosemary West's body. Aluko's barrister described this as a "deliberately targeted public campaign of vilification" that attacked multiple aspects of her life and personality. The harassment caused Aluko significant distress, and she expressed concern that Barton would manipulate any attempts to defend herself against his attacks.

Barton, who managed Fleetwood Town and Bristol Rovers, did not attend the hearing as he was arrested and held in custody. A court order requires him to pay £339,000, with the first £100,000 plus interest due by March 24. Aluko attended the London court and stated simply: "I'm glad it's the end."