They exchanged accusations and argued

Ireland's health minister sues singer, accusing him of endangering the public

Singer Van Morrison.

From the source

Northern Ireland Health Minister Robin Swan has filed a defamation lawsuit against singer-songwriter Van Morrison, saying that the musician's criticism of the Corona virus policies has endangered the public and damaged its reputation. "Dancing in the Moonlight" and "The Girl with Brown Eyes".

Each claimed that he posed a danger to society.

The Sunday Telegraph newspaper, published in Belfast, reported on the lawsuit, which began in June.

Morrison publicly opposed the closures that led to the cancellation of some of his shows, criticized social distancing at live concerts, and wrote songs accusing scientists of "fabricating twisted facts" about the epidemic.

Separately, Morrison called Swan a "con man" and repeatedly said that Swan was "dangerous", and he repeated this at a party in June, where he chanted several times, "Robin Swan is very dangerous."

The 76-year-old musician defied government restrictions on live music performances earlier this year, according to a statement from John J. Rice & Co., the company that represents his music.

And the BBC reported, in August, that he dropped the case after the restrictions were lifted.

Swan responded in an opinion piece for “Rolling Stone” magazine, in which he stated that Morrison was a strong supporter of conspiracy theorists, and might discourage people from taking the Corona virus, and Swan wrote in the article: “We in Northern Ireland are very proud of the fact that one of the greatest Music creations in the past 50 years came from our region to the world.” He adds: “Therefore we are disappointed, we expected better from him,” meaning the singer.

Senior attorney Paul Tweed, who is representing Swan, said in a short email statement that he expects a hearing on the case in early 2022.

Meanwhile, a statement from John J. Rice & Associates, the law firm representing Morrison, said "Mr. Morrison regrets that Mr. Swann deemed it necessary to issue proceedings."

Morrison's representatives added that Morrison believes that the restrictions imposed by the Corona virus have endangered the musicians' livelihoods, and that his statements regarding the issue of the public interest are a fair demand.

Northern Ireland strengthened health measures during the epidemic as cases or deaths increased, and eased them after their decline.

Cases and deaths peaked between December 2020 and this November.

Nearly 2,800 people died of Covid-19 in Northern Ireland during the pandemic, according to official statistics.

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