Law firm that revealed J.K. Rowling's identity donates funds to soldiers' charity
Author J.K. Rowling, who recently sued the law firm partner and his acquaintance who leaked her identity as the author of “The Cuckoo’s Calling,” received damages from the law firm Russells in the form of a donation to The Soldiers’ Charity.
Russells will also be paying Rowling’s costs for the legal proceedings.
Rowling was “angry and distressed that her confidences had been betrayed,” the author’s attorney, Jenny Afia, said during the proceedings, according to the Associated Press.
Russells, the law firm partner, Chris Gossage, and his acquaintance, Judith Callegari, both apologized to the author.
In addition, Rowling stated she would be donating any royalties she receives from the book for the next three years to The Soldiers’ Charity. The writer met with many real-life veterans and has said her inspiration for her “Cuckoo” protagonist, a man who served in Afghanistan and had to have his leg amputated, came from those talks.
“This donation is being made to The Soldiers' Charity partly as a thank you to the army people who helped me with research, but also because writing a hero who is a veteran has given me an even greater appreciation and understanding of exactly how much this charity does for ex-servicemen and their families, and how much that support is needed,” the author said in a statement.
The chief executive of ABF (the Army Benevolent Fund) The Soldiers’ Charity Major General Martin Rutledge called Rowling’s gesture “extraordinary generosity” in an interview with the BBC.
“This donation will make a huge difference to the lives of thousands of soldiers, former soldiers and their families who are in real need,” he said. “Her tremendous show of support for The Soldiers' Charity will help to remind people of the many sacrifices made by our soldiers, long after any news of Afghanistan has left the front page.”
“Cuckoo” is still the number one seller at Barnes & Noble and is ranked third at Amazon.
