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Simpson Slander Case Settled

Action Withdrawn When Apology Received (Received 2 p.m.) LONDON, June 11. The slander action by Mr Ernest Simpson, the divorced husband of. the Duchess of Windsor, against Mrs Joan Sutherland was “mentioned” in court today, when it was stated that Mr Simpson was satisfied with the payment of costs without damages. The case therefore was settled and the record withdrawn. The case was settled in 15 minutes. Little public interest was shown. Mr H. J. Wellington, K.C., on behalf of Mr Simpson, said the action was one of ordinary slander. Because foreign newspapers had published material purporting to relate to the divorce, the matter became a subject for irresponsible gpssip in many countries, and a rumour had spread that Mr Simpson had received a large sum as the price of his silence, and in consideration of his not defending his wife’s divorce proceedings. It was difficult, said counsel, to imagine a more serious aspersion on a man's character.

“Defendant has given us the fullest apologies, and assurances that she is satisfied that rumour is untrue, and Mr Simpson says he will be satisfied with costs. He will not seek damages, though he is jealous of his reputation.”

Mr Wallington added: “These proceedings will probably be reported throughout the world. For that reason, if anyone after this repeats the rumour, he will have no excuse. Mr Simpson will pursue him with all the rigor of the law.”

Sir Patrick Hastings, K.C., on behalf of Mrs Sutherland, said his client had teen present at a luncheon party, where the rumour had been discussed without anyone realising that Mi Simpson’s Sister was a fellow guest. Mrs Sutherland had not had the slightest intention of injuring anyone, and had merely repeated what thousands of women were saying at the time. She new apologised wholeheartedly. The Lord Chief Justice, Lord Hewart, agreed to the withdrawal of the action.

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Permanent link to this item

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NA19370612.2.57

Bibliographic details

Northern Advocate, 12 June 1937, Page 5

Word Count
317

Simpson Slander Case Settled Northern Advocate, 12 June 1937, Page 5

Simpson Slander Case Settled Northern Advocate, 12 June 1937, Page 5