Saturday, May 26 2012

Sunny Dublin Hi 20 °C | Lo 11°C

National News

Louis Walsh: I have hired top lawyer to fight smear

By Independent.ie reporters

Friday June 24 2011

A shattered Louis Walsh said today he was ‘‘almost suicidal’ over allegations of sexual assault. And he revealed he has hired top lawyers to fight the smear ‘‘tooth and nail’’.

A 24-year-old father from Co. Meath claimed he was groped by the pop guru and X Factor judge in the Krystle nightclub toilets, only hours after a Westlife concert in 02.

Messages of support flooded in today from pop legends and friends.

Elton John, Simon Cowell and Sharon Osbourne have all expressed their support for Walsh as he fights the allegations.

The star has agreed to co-operate with gardai to defend his name, but admits the allegations have devastated him.

"My name and my good reputation is all I've got and that has been besmirched by a complete pack of lies. I was nearly suicidal when I heard what I was being accused of. It's just been a nightmare. The crazy thing is that there's absolutely not a shred of truth to any of it," he told the Daily Star yesterday.

"I was meant to be going to Elton John's charity party tonight, but Elton called and offered me any support I needed."

And more of Walsh's showbiz friends have rallied around their pal.

In a post on Twitter, Osbourne, who was a judge with Walsh on The X Factor, wrote "Send big love & good vibes to my friend Louis Walsh and don't believe everything you read in the papers."

Meanwhile, Cowell told The Sun, "I have known Louis Walsh for 20 years and I don't believe for a second that these allegations are true.

"I feel very sorry for him. I've spoken to him today and he is really upset. It's horrible. Like all of his close friends I will support him 100pc."

Independent Blogs: Another victim of sleazy, muckraking tabloids

- Independent.ie reporters

 
 

National News Video

(video)

Dublin Sightseeing Reaches New Heights

Ireland’s most iconic venue, Croke Park Stadium, announced the opening of the much anticipated Etihad Skyline tour on the roof of the historic ground. Sponsored by Etihad Airways and opening to the public on Friday 1st June, the tour offers access to a unique Croke Park rooftop walkway and spectacular panoramic views of Dublin city.

(video)

McAreavey suspect accuses police

Avinash Treebhoowoon, 30, confessed to police about his involvement in strangling Michaela McAreavey, but now insists he was forced to sign the statement.Treebhoowoon and co-accused Sandip Moneea, 42, deny murdering the 27-year-old teacher on her honeymoon at the Legends Hotel.

(video)

Damien Dempsey has something to tell you..

Damien Dempsey has released a video outlining his reasons for voting no in the upcoming referendum. Credit: http://www.youtube.com/user/whitebrowser

View more



Highlights

Independentwoman.ie

Independent Woman

A fresh, fun site featuring celeb gossip, fashion, beauty, love & sex, and health & fitness.

Findajob.ie

Job search

Search for jobs by keyword, category, or location.

College

Third Level College

Diploma, Degree, Postgraduate and Professional Courses

Yourlocal.ie

Directory

Wherever you are... Find what you're looking for on Yourlocal.ie.

GrabOne

GrabOne

Daily Deals: Find the best things to do, see and eat in Ireland

More in National News (1 of 6 articles)

McGuinness in attack on dissidents

Read more »