Singer Van Morrison sets record straight over love child claims

The publicity-shy musician was at the centre of a global media storm in Christmas 2009 after a statement was posted on his website announcing the birth of George Ivan Morrison III – Little Van, as he was known.

John Saunders, a top public relations figure in Dublin and across Europe, conducted interviews on Morrison’s behalf at the time to deny the reports or that he knew the mother Gigi Lee.

It subsequently emerged Ms Lee worked as a manager on some of Morrison’s tours. Mr Saunders took proceedings against the Belfast-born singer in 2012.

At a brief hearing in the High Court in Dublin, lawyers confirmed a settlement had been reached between Morrison and Mr Saunders over public statements released in the wake of the baby’s birth being announced.

John Kerr, junior counsel for Mr Saunders, told the court that the two sides had reached an agreement over fallout from the allegations.

“On terms that include a letter that the plaintiff John Saunders acted with integrity and on the express instructions of the defendant Van Morrison,” Mr Kerr told the court. Undisclosed damages and legal costs have also been agreed.