Danielle Hindley

Overview

In December 2017, Danielle Hindley, a self-employed beautician and mother from Leeds, became the subject of a Mail on Sunday investigation headlined f “the curse of the cosmetic cowboys”. The newspaper published allegations portraying her as a reckless practitioner, despite her warning journalists that the claims were false. A reporter posing as a client entered her home with a hidden camera in an attempt to catch her acting unethically.  She did not, but the newspaper accused her of doing so anyway, in a way that seriously damaged her reputation and wellbeing.

Danielle is now a Trustee of The Press Justice Project, the charity which works closely with Hacked Off and advises people affected by media misconduct.

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Key facts

• The Mail on Sunday published false allegations about Hindley’s professional conduct.
• A journalist secretly filmed inside her home using a hidden camera.
• The coverage caused severe harm to her business, mental health and family life.
• IPSO upheld part of her complaint but failed to secure meaningful remedies.
• Only after court action did the newspaper admit falsehoods, apologise and pay damages.
• The case is cited as evidence of ongoing failures in press standards and self-regulation.

Further Reading

• Danielle's story [February 2020]: Danielle Hindley: My battle for justice against the Mail on Sunday‍
• Trial results minor effect on press reform [February 2020]: The Mail on Sunday and Danielle Hindley: proof that nothing has changed‍
• Daily Mail representative on IPSO Board [August 2020]: Victims denounce IPSO Board appointment of former Daily Mail assistant editor

Significance of this story

Danielle Hindley’s case demonstrates how inaccurate reporting can cause severe harm to ordinary people’s lives and livelihoods. It shows how the complaints system failed to deliver justice, leaving court action as the only effective remedy. The case raises serious questions about access to accountability in press regulation.