Everyone has a theory about what led to the split between Madonna and Guy Ritchie. Also, everyone has a theory about who each of them slept first as they both realized their marriage was unsalvageable. Common wisdom says Madonna was slugging Yankee Alex Rodriguez, while the tabloid Us Weekly went with a less obvious choice for Guy Ritchie's paramour: a one Kelly Reilly, the redhead star or Ritchie's Sherlock Holmes. Except, oops, they're totally backtracking now!

Retracts Us:

In our November 3 issue, we suggested that the actress Kelly Reilly was having a relationship with Guy Ritchie.

It is now clear from the further information that we have received that Ms. Reilly is engaged and there is and has been no romantic relationship between Kelly Reilly and Guy Ritchie. We apologize for any embarrassment caused to Ms. Reilly in our original report.

It wouldn't have anything to do with this "Confidential Legal Notice - Not for Publication" missive that Reilly's loudmouthed (but ultimately filled with empty promises) attorneys at Lavely & Singer began sending around, would it? Like this friendly formal communique that we received:

October 22, 2008

JOSSIP.COM

Re: Kelly Reilly/Notice Letter
Our File No.: 4543-2

Dear Mr. Hauslaib:

We are litigation counsel to Kelly Reilly.

You may be aware that a false allegation has been circulating in a number of print media and websites that Ms. Reilly is romantically involved with Guy Ritchie. We are writing to provide you with notice that this allegation is patently false and defamatory, and should not be republished or repeated. Attached is a confidential legal notice jointly issued on behalf of Ms. Reilly by our firm and her U.K. counsel, Simon Smith of Schillings, with regard to this matter.

Be advised that any statements, implications or insinuations that Ms. Reilly is or has been involved in a romantic relationship with Mr. Ritchie are absolutely false, and would be highly defamatory of Ms. Reilly who is engaged to be married and enjoys an excellent personal and professional reputation, including both in the U.S. and abroad. To the contrary, Ms. Reilly has a professional, working relationship with Mr. Ritchie, her director on the motion picture “Sherlock Holmes.” The publication or re-publication of any such false allegations about Ms. Reilly would give rise to substantial claims for defamation and false light invasion of privacy, as well as for intentional infliction of emotional distress.

Be advised that the fact that, as justification, you might claim to be merely repeating or republishing the statements made by a third party, is certainly no defense. It is well established by court decisions that someone who broadcasts, disseminates or re-publishes defamatory statements made by a third party with knowledge of falsity or reason to know that the statements are defamatory, or consciously disregards the falsity of the statement is liable for the damages caused by the re-publication of the statements. See for example, Khawar v. Globe International, Inc., 19 Cal.4th 254, 79 Cal.Rptr.2d 178 (1998). The Court in Michael Jackson v. Paramount Pictures Corporation, 68 Cal.App.4th 10, 80 Cal.Rptr. 2d 1 (1998) recognized and applied this rule, stating:

"… when a party repeats a slanderous charge, he is equally guilty of defamation, even though he states the source of the charge and indicates that he is merely repeating a rumor. * * * A false statement is not less libelous because it is the repetition of rumor or
gossip or of statements or allegations that others have made concerning the matter." Id. at 27 (citation omitted) (emphasis added).

Accordingly, demand is hereby made that you cease and desist from making, publishing, re-publishing or otherwise disseminating any false or defamatory statements of or concerning Ms. Reilly, including, without limitation, any statements, implications or insinuations that Ms. Reilly is or has been involved in a romantic relationship with Mr. Ritchie. If, notwithstanding this notice, you intend to publish any such statements, implications or insinuations, request is made that you provide us with notice in advance of your intention to do so. For the reasons stated above, should you proceed to re-publish any of these false and defamatory statements about my client, you will be exposed to liability and substantial claims.

We trust you will govern yourselves accordingly.

This does not constitute a complete or exhaustive statement of all of my client’s rights or claims. Nothing stated herein is intended as, nor should it be deemed to constitute a waiver or relinquishment, of any of my client’s rights or remedies, whether legal or equitable, all of which are hereby expressly reserved. This letter is a confidential legal communication and is not for publication.

Sincerely,

[via e-mail]

YAEL E. HOLTKAMP
For
LAVELY & SINGER
PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION