In 2006, Cole sued the News of the World and The Sun newspapers for libel after they printed reports of a Premiership footballer and a music DJ engaged in a "homosexual orgy", even though Cole was not specifically named in any of the stories; however, a pixellated photograph of Cole with his likeness removed was printed. Both the News of the World and The Sun later retracted the allegations after legal pressure and paid an undisclosed amount of damages to Cole.

On Friday 25 January 2008, following an investigation by The Sun, various tabloid newspapers led with headlines alleging that Cole had cheated on his wife with Aimee Walton whilst on a night out after a match on 8 December 2007. It is also claimed Cole has had a string of affairs since marrying Cheryl Tweedy.