Yusuf Islam wins damages against Murdoch papers

Yusuf Islam, the pop star formerly known as Cat Stevens, has been awarded "substantial damages" by two national newspapers who alleged he had supported terrorism.

Yusuf Islam, the pop star formerly known as Cat Stevens, has been awarded "substantial damages" by two national newspapers who alleged he had supported terrorism.

Mr Islam, 57, revealed that both The Sun and The Sunday Times had agreed to publish apologies after the articles appeared last October.

The singer said the newspapers claimed he had supported terrorism and declared the US was right to refuse him entry in September last year.

Reacting to the settlement, he said last night: "It seems to be the easiest thing in the world these days to make scurrilous accusations against Muslims, and, in my case, it directly impacts on my relief work and damages my reputation as an artist. The harm done is often difficult to repair - however, I am delighted by the settlement, which helps vindicate my character and good name."

The singer, who changed his name after converting to Islam in the 1970s, was travelling on a flight from London to Washington when it was diverted to Bangor, Maine, last September. He was then deported.