Defamation battle between Sir Van Morrison and former health minister settled
Robin Swann sued Sir Van over comments made in Belfast in 2021 while the singer sued Mr Swann over a piece in Rolling Stone.
Your support helps us to tell the story
This election is still a dead heat, according to most polls. In a fight with such wafer-thin margins, we need reporters on the ground talking to the people Trump and Harris are courting. Your support allows us to keep sending journalists to the story.
The Independent is trusted by 27 million Americans from across the entire political spectrum every month. Unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock you out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. But quality journalism must still be paid for.
Help us keep bring these critical stories to light. Your support makes all the difference.
A long-running legal battle between former Stormont health minister Robin Swann and singer Sir Van Morrison has been settled.
Mr Swann sued Sir Van for defamation after the singer branded him “very dangerous” over his handling of the coronavirus pandemic and lockdown restrictions during an event at the Europa Hotel in June 2021.
In a separate action, Sir Van sued Mr Swann and the Department of Health over an opinion piece that was published in Rolling Stone magazine in September 2020.
The High Court in Belfast heard on Friday that both actions, which had been due to get under way at the end of September, have been settled.
Mr Swann stepped down as health minister in May 2024 when he successfully ran in the general election to represent South Antrim.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.