| A van from Morriston 13:37 - Nov 8 with 389 views | KeithHaynes |
Northern Ireland's health minister has initiated legal proceedings against Sir Van Morrison, who branded him "very dangerous" over his handling of Covid-19 restrictions.
Robin Swann's solicitor Paul Tweed said proceedings were "at an advanced stage" with a hearing expected in early 2022.
In June, the singer chanted the "very dangerous" comments during a dinner.
Sir Van's solicitor said the singer "regrets that Mr Swann considered it necessary to issue proceedings".
John J Rice & Co said its client was also "disappointed by the publicity that surrounds the issue of the proceedings".
"This firm can confirm that a defence has been served on behalf of Mr Morrison to the proceedings brought by Mr Swann," it said.
"Mr Morrison asserts within that defence that the words used by him related to a matter of public interest and constituted fair comment."
Morrison is an outspoken critic of Covid-19 restrictions.
'Put on the spot'
It is understood the High Court proceedings also include two other incidents - when the singer allegedly referred to Mr Swann as a "fraud" in a media interview, and an online video by Sir Van in which he repeats the "dangerous" claim.
It is understood the legal action began in June.
The singer took to the stage at the dinner event at Belfast's Europa Hotel in June and addressed about 140 people after his gig was cancelled amid Covid-19 restrictions. |  |
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| A van from Morriston on 13:52 - Nov 8 with 368 views | onehunglow |
Morrison is one of the most overrated artists of all time. For the last 20 yrs his music sounds exactly the same.
A sour,snarling ,and obnoxious grumpy bar steward too |  |
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| A van from Morriston on 20:02 - Nov 8 with 256 views | KeithHaynes |
| A van from Morriston on 13:52 - Nov 8 by onehunglow |
Morrison is one of the most overrated artists of all time. For the last 20 yrs his music sounds exactly the same.
A sour,snarling ,and obnoxious grumpy bar steward too |
It’s a very odd course of action from a politician. Especially with the rules of disclosure regards previous similar acts that may come to light by the plaintiff Etc | |
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