Please note: The dictum quoted is Greer LJ's (Court of Appeal).
Facts
A famous amateur golfer's caricature was used in an advert for chocolate without his consent.
Issue
Could the advert carry the meaning that he had compromised his amateur status for money?
Held
Yes; it was capable of that and was libellous.
Principle
Innuendo: words or images not defamatory on their face can be defamatory because of the inference readers draw.
Why it matters
Leading innuendo case.
Cited in these chapters
Topics
Cite this page
Tolley v J S Fry & Sons Ltd [1931] AC 333 (Lanbuk) <https://www.lanbuk.com/llb/torts/cases/tolley-v-fry> accessed 31 October 2026
The accessed date is today's date. Check your course or publisher's style guide.
This summary is a Lanbuk study aid based on the generally known facts and reports of the case. It is not legal advice.