The privacy litigation between Countess Spencer and Catrine Jarman concluded today with a statement in open court from Catrine. It comes just two months after it was reported that Countess Karen and the Earl Spencer had finalised their divorce.
At Court 17 in the Royal Courts of Justice, a statement was read out by Catrine's legal counsel, Dina Shiloh, which concluded the case. "The Claimant is relieved that these proceedings are at an end and welcomes the opportunity to put forward this statement on a unilateral basis. She remains profoundly distressed by the disclosure of her medical information by the Defendant and is disappointed that she continues to deny any liability or wrongdoing.
"She has brought these proceedings in order to vindicate her right to medical privacy and to secure recognition of the wrong she considers has been done to her. The Claimant wishes to draw a line under this matter and move on with her life. Whilst the Claimant had not wanted the fact she has MS to be widely disclosed because of her fear of discrimination, she has sought to deal with the situation as positively as possible by using her public profile to promote awareness of the condition. She is, jointly with Earl Spencer, working with the MS Society towards that aim."
© Max Cisotti/Dave Benett/Getty ImIn a subsequent statement, Catrine's spokesperson said: "Today, in open court, the facts of this case have been put on the public record. Multiple Sclerosis is a deeply personal diagnosis. The decision of when, how and to whom that information is disclosed belonged to Professor Jarman alone. That right was taken from her.
"At no point has the Defendant apologised to Professor Jarman for the disclosure of her private medical information. At no point has the Defendant provided a complete list of the individuals she told. Professor Jarman is pleased that these proceedings are concluded and is looking forward to moving forward with her academic life. She will continue to use her platform to support the vital work of the MS Society and to promote awareness of a condition that affects over 150,000 people in the UK. She hopes that this case sends a clear message: medical privacy is not negotiable."
In a separate statement, Earl Spencer said: "Cat has handled every aspect of this with grace, integrity and quiet courage. She sought only what was her right: the same right to privacy that every person deserves. Multiple sclerosis is a serious condition; its course is uncertain and its demands are significant. Those who live with the condition deserve complete control over when, how and to whom they choose to disclose it."
Catrine's ex-husband, Tom, who initially told the Countess about the diagnosis, said: "The exchanges between Lady Spencer and myself were of a very sensitive and private nature. In my naivety, I didn't envisage a situation where these very delicate discussions might have become public. Their disclosure has been distressing and has had a significantly harmful impact on all involved and on Cat in particular. This is a source of huge personal regret, particularly as they misrepresent my view of Cat as a very decent person of good character.
© GettyThe case between Catrine and Countess Spencer was settled in December last year.
At the time of the settlement, a spokesperson for Countess Karen told HELLO!: "Countess Spencer confirms that the legal proceedings brought against her by Cat Jarman have been resolved in an agreed settlement. Countess Spencer considers her position to have been fully vindicated.
"There was no admission of liability or wrongdoing and Earl Spencer has been ordered to pay the legal costs, which are expected to be in excess of £2m together with £4,500 in damages to be paid to his girlfriend Cat Jarman. Countess Spencer sincerely hopes this will mark the end of the matter.”
In response to the statement in open court today, a spokesperson for Countess Karen reiterated that she had accepted the offer to settle the claim with no admission of liability or wrongdoing, adding: "Countess Spencer has exercised restraint throughout and has limited what she has said publicly. She considers the matter closed."
© InstagramThe Countess was involved in a legal battle with Earl Spencer's girlfriend, Professor Catrine Jarman, after Catrine claimed that Countess Karen had revealed her MS diagnosis to Charles and staff at Althorp.
In her defence, Countess Karen revealed details about the split, such as her contention that her 13-year-marriage was ended by her husband via text message (a claim the Earl refutes).
