London March 17 2025: The Telegraph made a statement in open court today that it withdraws its earlier position that the earlier allegations were true and that they were made in the public interest.
The Telegraph apologises to Mr Chishti and his family for the harm they have been caused.
A series of articles published by the Telegraph from November 2021 to February 2023 reported on allegations made by a former employee of Afiniti, Tatiana Spottiswoode to the United States Congress, about the company’s founder and CEO, Zia Chishti. Mr Chishti strongly disputes these allegations. Although Mr Chishti sought to do so, Congress did not give him the opportunity to refute the allegations.
Mr Chishti issued libel proceedings against the Telegraph as to one of the articles. The High Court determined that the article had alleged that “since being introduced to Ms Spottiswoode by her father when she was thirteen and Mr Chishti was an adult, Mr Chishti groomed Ms Spottiswoode with sexual intent. Mr Chishti further pursued her with inducements and threats, culminating in a brief sexual relationship when they were adults, which on his side was abusive and violent, and which she quickly terminated”.
On 17 March 2025 The Telegraph made a statement in open court that it withdraws its earlier position that the above allegations were true and that they were made in the public interest. 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.
