Ford gets brief over paper story

Harrison Ford has engaged a Belfast libel solicitor

He's fought on-screen Nazis and done the Kessel run in 12 parsecs, but for legal action, Harrison Ford is letting a Belfast lawyer wield the bullwhip.

The Indiana Jones star has hired solicitor Paul Tweed over claims in United States newspapers about filming on his new movie, out later this month.

Mr Tweed has been building a reputation for representing top celebrities.

In the last two weeks he was also retained by American acting twins Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen.

He has also been hired by former Cheers star Kirsty Alley.

Mr Tweed confirmed his involvement with Ford was part of a growing portfolio of international clients seeking to protect their reputations amid the rise of new media.

With the laws governing freedom of speech in the US making it difficult for stars to sue for libel there, Mr Tweed stressed he can take immediate action on their behalf in Belfast, Dublin and London.

He said the rise of internet publications and US supermarket magazines now distributing UK and Irish editions had led to the rise in work.

'Libel tourism'

"I am being consulted more and more by internationally famous stars, who would otherwise have difficulty in seeking vindication of their reputations in the US, where the libel laws are geared much more in favour of the press," he said.

"In the past, anyone who could be classified as a public figure in the US has simply had to turn the other cheek and ignore these false and outrageous allegations being thrown at them in the tabloids."

Mr Tweed, senior partner with Johnsons Solicitors, revealed he has put the New York Daily News on notice over a defamatory allegation linked to the forthcoming Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull movie.

Ford, whose CV also boasts the original Star Wars trilogy, Blade Runner and The Fugitive, wants the record set straight, a retraction and an apology, according to the lawyer.

He added: "In cases involving international personalities with worldwide reputations we would normally issue in all three jurisdictions in order to put maximum pressure on the offending publisher."

One potential threat has emerged in the form of New York author Rachel Ehrenfeld who has spoken out against the so-called "libel tourism" of US publishers being sued in the UK and Ireland.

Mr Tweed said his work would continue, and confirmed he has also issued proceedings against the National Enquirer on behalf of Jennifer Lopez and her husband Marc Anthony.