A tweet containing an unfounded rumour about First Minister Arlene Foster tweeted by celebrity doctor Christian Jessen has now been removed from his social media account.

Following Dr. Jessen’s controversial tweet about the DUP leader last month, Mrs. Foster’s lawyer Paul Tweed threatened legal action against the celebrity doctor, stating that they intended to sue him for libel.

Dr. Jessen’s tweet, which was posted just before Christmas on Monday, December 23 was retweeted around 500 times.

After the tweet was posted, Mr. Tweed replied to Dr. Jessen the following day via Twitter. He wrote: “I am putting Dr. Christian Jessen on notice in relation to a totally false allegation he has tweeted regarding DUP Leader and former NI First Minister, Arlene Foster [as she was then]. Legal action will also be taken against any persons who have retweeted this highly defamatory allegation.”

It is understood that although the tweet has recently been removed, Mrs. Foster is continuing to take legal action, with Mr. Tweed confirming that Dr. Jessen has been put on notice and that they are in the process of issuing defamation proceedings in the High Court in Belfast.

Several individuals who tweeted the rumour, including Dr. Jessen have been identified by Mrs. Foster’s legal team and have received warnings of impending High Court action.