British Newspaper Apologizes to Pakistani-American Tech Entrepreneur Over Sexual Misconduct Claims

One of Britain’s most prominent newspapers, The Telegraph, has formally apologized to Pakistani-American technology entrepreneur Zia Chishti after a lengthy legal battle over published allegations of sexual misconduct. The newspaper issued its retraction Monday, acknowledging that a series of articles published between November 2021 and February 2023 had reported unverified allegations made by Tatiana Spottiswoode, a former Afiniti employee, during testimony before the United States Congress. These allegations were leveled against Chishti, who founded and served as CEO of the technology company. According to The Telegraph’s statement, Chishti has consistently and vigorously disputed these claims. Despite his attempts to present his side of the story to Congress, he was never allowed to refute the allegations in the same forum where they were initially made. The libel proceedings initiated by Chishti focused on one particular article. In its ruling, the High Court determined that the publication had effectively alleged that “since being introduced to Ms Spottiswoode by her father when she was thirteen and Mr Chishti was an adult, Mr Chishti groomed Ms Spottiswoode with sexual intent. Mr Chishti further pursued her with inducements and threats, culminating in a brief sexual relationship when they were adults, which on his side was abusive and violent, and which she quickly terminated.” In its March 17, 2025 statement to the court, The Telegraph formally withdrew its previous position that these allegations were both accurate and published in the public interest. “The Telegraph apologizes to Mr Chishti and his family for the harm they have been caused,” the newspaper stated. “Finally, The Telegraph has agreed to pay Mr Chishti a substantial sum by way of damages and a contribution to his legal costs.” This settlement effectively concludes the protracted legal battle between the newspaper and Chishti, whose full name is Muhammad Ziaullah Khan Chishti. Speaking to reporters outside the courthouse following the verdict, Chishti, flanked by family members and legal representatives, expressed cautious relief. “I did not commit the horrific acts Ms. Spottiswoode and The Telegraph alleged against me,” he stated. “These allegations have created a three-and-a-half-year ordeal that has critically hurt my family and severely damaged my reputation and business interests.” Chishti acknowledged that while The Telegraph’s retraction helps repair damage to his reputation in the United Kingdom, he still hopes for similar vindication in the United States. “I am now hopeful that in the United States the newly elected Congress gives me the same platform to deny the allegations against me as it gave my accuser to make the allegations,” he added.