Van Morrison may be a legend of music, but in recent years he has divided fans with his controversial opinion on Covid and the lockdowns associated with it.
Morrison's 2021 album 'Latest Record Project Vol. 1' addressed his feelings on the matter with songs like 'The Long Con' and he also released an anti-lockdown song with Eric Clapton.
It led to Northern Ireland's Health Minister Robin Swann initiating legal proceedings against the Belfast musician in 2021 after Morrison - appearing at a function at Belfast's Europa Hotel - branded him 'very dangerous' because of the way he handled Covid restrictions.
Now, the latest tussle between the two men has seen Morrison suing Swann because of an an Op-Ed that the Health Minister wrote for Rolling Stone in late 2020.
In the piece, Swann had suggested that while peiple were proud of the musician's legacy, his public comments left “a real feeling of disappointment”.
“However it goes further than disappointment," he added. "Some of what he is saying is actually dangerous. It could encourage people to not to take Coronavirus seriously. If you see it all as a big conspiracy, then you are less likely to follow the vital public health advice that keeps you and others safe.”
A spokesman for Morrison confirmed that legal action had been initiated, saying "We confirm that legal proceedings have been issued against Mr Robin Swann MLA and the Department of Health as co-publishers of an op-ed in Rolling Stone.”
