Britain’s Daily Mail apologizes to Journey’s Neal Schon

Britain’s Daily Mail has issued an unusual high-profile apology and will pay an unspecified settlement to Journey guitarist Neal Schon in connection with an article that falsely characterized him as a “deadbeat dad” who slighted his children and ex-wife while showering his fiancee with pricey jewelry.

The newspaper issued its statement regarding Schon and fiancee Michaele Salahi on the U.K. Home page of its Mail Online website.

“We accept that these allegations are untrue and apologise to Mr. Schon, Ms. Salahi and the family for any distress caused,” the statement said. “We have agreed to pay Mr. Schon and Michaele damages and legal costs.”

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A spokeswoman for the “Don’t Stop Believin’” guitarist said the amount of the settlement has not been released.

On Feb. 22, the tabloid trumpeted an “exclusive” report saying Schon left his ex-wife and children “so broke they can’t buy food” and that he’d given Salahi, a “Real Housewives of D.C.” costar famous for crashing a White House state dinner with her then-husband, a $1-million ring.

According to Schon’s representatives, the article was based on blog posts from the singer’s former mother-in-law, Judy Kozan. Schon filed a lawsuit against Kozan in Minnesota federal court on March 18, alleging that she had libeled and harassed him with her posts.

The statement by Schon’s representatives also noted that he had been the victor in a January court action in which his ex-wife, Amber Schon, had sought an additional $2,700 per month in child support.

“A Minnesota judge ruled that Schon had met all of his child support obligations and noted that he had paid his ex-wife more than $1.3 million since their divorce in 2007,” the statement said.

It added: “With respect to the Daily Mail’s apology and payment of damages, Neal and Michaele appreciate that these corrective actions have been taken, and will continue to ensure that journalistic integrity is maintained in regards to reports on their professional and personal lives.”

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