Delay expected in Dion 'extortion trial'

Celine Dion and Rene Angelil married in 1994

Lawyers representing a couple accused of attempting to exhort money from Celine Dion's husband say they may quit the case.

Yun Kyeong Kwon Sung, 47, and her husband Ae Ho Kwon, 50, have been charged with trying to blackmail millions of dollars from Rene Angelil over a false rape claim.

Lawyers Robert Langford and JoNell Thomas said they are considering asking a judge on 22 July to release them from the case.

The trial is due to begin on 25 August at Clark County Court in Nevada but a change in the legal team is likely to lead to a postponement.

Denial

Mr Kwon admitted after a brief court hearing that he and his wife, who is being held in custody, were having trouble with legal fees.

The charges stem from an extortion attempt made by the couple in which they claimed Mr Angelil followed Ms Kwon into the hotel lift in Las Vegas, sexually molested her and then raped her in her room

Mr Angelil, who acts as Dion's manager, strongly denied the accusations and the couple were arrested and charged with attempting to extort $2m (£1.2m).