Michael Herman
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Finding a new firm of solicitors to represent her could be the least of Lady McCartney's worries if her recent behaviour is used against her.
It is believed that Lady McCartney, the former model Heather Mills, was explicitly advised against giving emotionally–charged public interviews in the run up to her divorce trial.
Choosing to ignore that advice may cost her more than her relationship with Mishcon de Reya.
According to Kevin Harris-James, a family law partner at Irwin Mitchell: “Ms Mill’s recent television appearances would have made any lawyer squirm.”
Not only does it appear to have turned out to be a “PR disaster”, he said, but it might weaken aspects of her case.
“I can understand why Ms Mills felt compelled to speak out but the subsequent portrayal has merely compounded the manner of the reporting as this acrimonious separation is increasingly played out in the public domain," Mr Harris-James said.
“Sir Paul’s lawyers will be trawling through the transcripts of those interviews looking for ammunition when it comes to the possible question of a confidentiality order,” he added.
Sir Paul is reportedly pushing for a confidentiality agreement to be included as part of the final settlement.
This agreement, which Lady McCartney is said to be fighting, would prevent her from releasing details of her marriage to one of the world’s most popular and influential figures.
But his lawyers will be rubbing their hands following her recent television appearances.
“Sir Paul’s lawyers can wave the transcripts of recent media coverage in court and use them to encourage the judge to include a confidentiality order," Mr Harris-James said.
The fact that Sir Paul and Lady McCartney have a young child will also work in his favour.
“Sir Paul’s lawyers could argue that for the sake of his child, Ms Mills should be prevented from revealing further information to the media,” Mr Harris-James said.
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Overpaid, self-indulgent, self-important - one could go on and on. Who cares? All around us are really unhappy people, with little resources and no-one to help. Often children. The wretched of the earth are still with us, and they get my vote, my time, and what money I can spare, every time.
Nicholas Le Santo, Bath, UK
"Gag" her...? Whats wrong with that?!
All 'celebrity' divorce settlements generally include a binding confidentiality clause - She can't eat her cake and have it!
With her recent interviews etc., it is more crucial than ever that Mr. McCartney not finalize this divorce without one-
He already made a huge mistake once before by not signing a prenuptial agreement; he must not allow himself to be made a fool of a second time!
As for suggestions that stories have been fed to the media; how preposterous! All these stories about her were floating about before & while they were married - The man even made an arse of himself trying vigorously to defend her on many an occasion!
It seems ok for her to trash him ignoring the fact that he too has children with feelings, but heaven forbid her one offspring should eventually read the truth about her mother!
Chi Heath, San Francisco, CA, USA
They want to gag her? she should let them. In this day and age, all you need to do is whisper something into an ear of a person you know has loose lips and before you know it, it is headline news. What does she think "insiders", "close sources" are there for? isn't that what McCartney has been using? rather than him giving interviews, sources close to him and insiders in his camp have been selling his estranged wife down the river. Look and learn, Heather. You can put your story out there without losing your hair, sure you won't be paid for the stories but at least, PR will prove to be hell for his "sirness" when he starts getting columns in the redtops and even the more "intelligent" publications like the Times.
Amy, London, UK
Could Heather actually specify what it is she wants? Is it more money, more fame or revenge? How could emotional outburst be in the best interest of their young child?
Teapot, Brighton,
One more mistake in a series of disasters. Poor Heather, she just can't pull a trick.
Too Bad, Down Under, Australia
H Mills should shut up, was 20 million not enugh, most ex centerfolds would jump at the chance to be in her position. No amount of her crocadile tears will con the world into beleaving that she is nothing moor than a gold digger, who was probibly on the make from the first moment she met paul.
tim karpinski, newbury, berkshire
It is sad that a man of MacCartney's stature, could not find a decent woman for his second wife. I am sure he is remorseful that he did not continue to date her but married her. They are plenty of decent women in this world and he could have had his pick of them.His children tried to tell him that he was making an error in judgement. Where were his handlers?
Yvince, Hillsborough, usa,nj