In March 2004, "The Daily Telegraph" diary column printed claims that Cassani had been highly critical of Tony Blair, saying "To be frank he wasn't very bright ... the subject he got most animated about was beach volleyball." Cassani sued for libel saying that the story was not only completely without foundation but also highly damaging to the bid; on April 21, the "Telegraph" admitted that she had made none of the remarks attributed to her, and agreed to apologise in print, pay her costs, and make a donation to the Olympic bid committee.