Northern Ireland’s health minister Robin Swann is suing Van Morrison for defamation over the rocker’s “bizarre and irresponsible” criticisms of Swann’s COVID-19 restrictions and precautions.
Morrison has publicly opposed restrictions, released several songs criticizing lockdowns, and denounced the Health Minister at a Belfast event after his concert was canceled due to virus restrictions. Morrison called Swann “a fraud” and “very dangerous.”
Both parties’ lawyers have provided updates on the lawsuit. Swann’s lawyer, Paul Tweed, has said that proceedings “are at an advanced stage with an anticipated hearing date early in 2022.”
Morrison’s lawyer, Joe Rice, said that they will argue “that the words used by him related to a matter of public interest and constituted fair comment.”
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