Geller plans Ulster legal action
URI Geller is to issue legal proceedings in Belfast as part of his libel action against an American television network.
The magician and psychic's lawyer confirmed an application will be made at the Northern Ireland High Court as the settlement of a separate defamation case was confirmed.
Geller, famed for bending spoons by what he says is mind power, developed a long and close relationship with Michael Jackson, and even acted as the late pop star's best man in 2001.
He is suing over false allegations Jackson's dermatologist Dr Arnold Klein made in an interview broadcast by CNN.
The action centres on claims that Geller personally benefited financially from setting up the singer's television interview with Martin Bashir.
Geller has consulted top libel lawyer Paul Tweed, who has already successfully represented him in a number of previous libel cases.
Mr Tweed, of Belfast-based firm Johnsons Solicitors, is now preparing to seek legal permission to issue proceedings on CNN.
Because the network is outside the jurisdiction, the application for leave to serve these at its headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia must be brought under the Hague Convention.
Separate proceedings will also be issued in London and Dublin.
It has also emerged that media organisations who broadcast the Larry King Show on which Dr Klein made his allegations are to be joined as co-defendants in the action.
Confirmation of the plans came as Mr Tweed said Geller has received damages and an apology as part of a settlement with the Belfast Telegraph over an article which referred to his friendship with Jackson.
The lawyer said: "My client is very pleased with this categoric retraction and apology, and remains determined to press on with an even more serious claim against CNN, in relation to an outrageous defamatory broadcast of allegations by a Dr Arnold Kline, regarding the Martin Bashir interview with Michael Jackson.
"We are currently preparing an application for leave to serve legal proceedings outside the jurisdiction."
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Tuesday 14 February 2012
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