Hurley baby goes to court
2002-04-21 19:56
London - Hollywood producer Steve Bing is taking legal action to
determine if he is the father of Elizabeth Hurley's newborn son,
his spokesperson said on Friday.
The 36-year-old model and actress, who gave birth to her son
Damian in London on April 4, said at the time she announced she was
pregnant that Bing was the child's father. He questioned that, and
said he and Hurley had not been in an exclusive relationship when
the child was conceived.
Bing issued legal proceedings in the Family Division court on
Wednesday, and Hurley was notified on Friday, his spokesperson said,
adding that Bing had not been able to contact the actress or her
lawyers.
"Now that Ms Hurley has had her baby, Mr Bing is anxious to
establish beyond any doubt who is the baby's father," the statement
from the spokesperson said.
"If it is proved that Mr Bing is Damian's father, he would wish
generously to support him and to be involved in his upbringing," it
said.
"As he has been unable to make contact with Ms Hurley,
or any
solicitors instructed in this matter by her, to discuss these
issues privately, he has been obliged to instruct his UK
solicitors to issue proceedings in the Family Division in the hope
of bringing these matters to a quick and amicable resolution," the
statement said.
Hurley has not returned to her home since leaving the private
Portland Hospital in central London last week, and instead has been
staying at the house of close friend Elton John.
Harassment charges dropped
Earlier on Friday, police dropped charges against a man accused of
harassing Hurley after the actress failed to provide a statement to
a London Court. He immediately said he planned to meet the actress
in California in August.
"We were unable to obtain a statement from Miss Hurley herself,
and without that the Crown cannot proceed," a spokesperson for the
Crown Prosecution Service said, speaking on condition of anonymity
after Friday's hearing.
"I am not going to see Miss Hurley today. I have an appointment
in August in California with her. She is a friend of mine. She is
my friend, I know," he said.
Mihajlovic was arrested outside Hurley's London home hours after
the birth of her son. Charged under the Prevention of Harassment
Act, he was remanded in custody until Friday's hearing. - Sapa/AP
- SAPA