Not funny, Elton? Guardian wins landmark court case against singer

Elton John likes to throw tantrums that most newborns would be proud of. Unfortunately, he'll have to cry into his pillow alone over his latest spat after a judge ruled the Guardian had not defamed or libelled the moody singer in a spoof article about his annual White Tie and Tiara Ball.

Guardian writer Martina Hyde wrote the piece, which is essentially a mock diary of Elton's week as he prepares for his AIDS charity ball. The article has Reg Dw..., sorry, Elton seeing the ball as less a chance to raise money for research and more a chance for him to reseach which attending celebs would be useful to be seen with for the next twelve months. Any cash heading for his foundation would be subject to costs, which Hyde has Elton amusingly named 'care-o-nomics'.

The decision is a great one to me, professionally and personally. As a writer it's good too know that the law agrees we're allowed to prod at the celeb piggies for a bit of fun, just to remind them that their egos aren't universally appreciated by all. Elton John needs goading, if only to ensure he continues to have a hissy fit everytime he gives someone enough ammunition to wind him up. Which is all the time.

Legally, journalists have been vindicated by this decision, which was hailed as a "landmark decision" by Guardian writer Duncan Campbell.

The former Watford chairman will now be out of a substantial amount of cash (which he would have otherwise payed into his charity, of course) for legal fees for both himself and the Guardian.

As a human being, it's also good to know that freedom of speech has been protected; I was starting to get the impression celebs have immunity from all laws normal people are subject to. I was starting to think I might have to apply for a spot on next year's X-Factor or throw an egg at Boris Johnson at his next public appearance just to get some press exposure. I'd then become a Z-Lister for a few weeks, enabling myself to do some really bad journalism and get away with it on grounds that I'm too important to be bothered by some silly editor... he's not as famous as me and therefore bypasses the radar.

So, Elton, take the decision on the chin. We're awaiting your next tantrum with some very tickly feathers.