ON March 29, 2005, the Observer published a letter titled "Naked flights to Jamaica" criticising the promotion by a travel website on behalf of Hedonism III, operated by SuperClubs. Its chairman, John Issa, sued the newspaper for defamation in the Supreme Court, in connection with which a ruling was recently handed down. Following are excerpts from the transcript of the trial in Justice Kay Beckford's court:

Charles Piper (Observer's attorney): "...It says, in the (online) ad itself it says 'Wild Women Vacation the No 1 bisexual fantasy is now a reality'?...Is that part of the image of your hotel?"

Issa: "Well, this being advertised it is part of the image."

Piper: "And it has always been part of the image of the Hedonism brand?"

Issa: "No."

Piper: "... It advertise Threesome Week'?"

Issa: "Yes, I see that."

Piper: "Do you know what that means?"

Issa: "No."

Piper: "Well, let's read on and see if we get some understanding. It says, 'January 9 to 16, 2010, and there is no place better to fill these desires but at the place where pleasure has been perfected, Hedonism III.' Who attend this event? And here is the answer: 'Couples who already have a girlfriend seeking similar couples. Couples who want to learn how to go about starting a MFF relationship, lesbian or female bisexual couples looking to expand their experiences with others'. That was what was being sold, correct?"

Issa: "Yes."

Piper: "...Do you know what is a 'MFF Relationship'?"

Issa: "No."

Piper: "I am suggesting that it's a male female female relationship. Your answer, sir?

Issa: "Oh, what's the question? Justice Beckford: "It's a suggestion."

Piper: "...I want you to read those words again."

Issa: "Which words?"

Piper: "Couples who already have a girlfriend seeking similar couples. Couples who want to learn how to go about starting a MFF relationship, lesbians or female bisexual couples looking to expand their experiences with others."

Issa: "Yes, I see that."

Piper: "...Very well. So the person who was there placing the ad is Wild Women Vacation, correct?"

Issa: "That's what it appears to be."

Piper: "Well let's look at page 204?...I want you to look at the fourth paragraph. It says:

'The first bisexual party Sunday night at our hospitality suite is different on every trip. Sometimes it can get very active, very fast while other times virtually nothing occurs. It all depends on the women. Some women are exhibitionists who love to stir things up quickly, while (some) are voyeurs and others are only seeking an intimate one and one relationship with nobody around except maybe a husband or boyfriend. We do have an adjoining room for those who wish privacy or once you find those whom you are comfortable with, returning to your own room with your new friends is not uncommon. Husbands and boyfriends are invited to attend but can only watch. They all manage to survive.' You agree with me that that is part of the vacation package which was being offered by Wild Women Vacation."

Issa: "That's what it appears to be."

Piper: "And these women were being accommodated in Hedonism III, your hotel?"

Issa: "The people booked by Wild Woman Vacation were accommodated at Hedonism III and also some were in Las Vegas."

To be continued