This piece published online by The Sun is typical of articles based upon half-truths that find their way into the showbiz section of tabloid newspapers. A lot of the time, these bizarre, shocking or interesting stories turn out to be partially or completely false. Sometimes these stories are taken too far and the celebrities that the articles are based upon can sue for deformation of character.
However this is quite a mild example, as although I found the catchline and introduction very misleading, it became increasingly clear as I read through the short piece what the actress had actually said. The introduction reads that Knightley wishes she believed in God but she never said that. She simply commented on how nice it would be to have faith and be able to unload your burdens upon a higher power.
Journalist Gordon Smart was able to mould her simple three sentences into something more than that. A broadsheet journalist would never run with this story, nor would many middle of the range newspapers like the Independent, touch it either. As the actress said nothing new or groundbreaking, nor did she even wish to renounce her atheism.
It's over-sensationalized in the sense that most journalists would deem it un-news worthy and uninteresting. But by slightly de-contextualizing her words and intentions, Smart managed to get somewhat of a story out of it.
Knightly could probably not sue for deformation in this case, even if she was unhappy with the piece or found it misinterpretive as for it to be deformation it needs to be both false and damaging. Knightly may not necessarily wish she was a god-fearing woman but the fact that the article claims she does, is in no way damaging to her reputation.
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