CELEBRITY doctor Christian Jessen had still not removed a tweet about DUP leader Arlene Foster last night despite being threatened with legal action.
Libel lawyer Paul Tweed issued a strongly worded warning to the host of TV show Embarrassing Bodies on Christmas Day.
He responded to Mr Jessen on Twitter, warning that legal action would be taken against anyone spreading false claims about Mrs Foster.
He is understood to be acting on the DUP leader's behalf regarding the issue.
"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," Mr Tweed wrote.
However, the December 23 post last night remained on the doctor's Twitter account which has more than 320,000 followers.
On Thursday Mr Jessen tweeted: "People are now comparing me to @BarbraStreisand -this gay boy's life CANNOT GET ANY BETTER!!!"
This was in reaction to people suggesting the threat of legal action had resulted in the 'Streisand effect', used to describe how efforts to suppress online comments can sometimes draw attention to the allegations.
The Irish News made efforts to contact the TV presenter but he did not respond.
The tweet in question was posted on Monday and has received more than 470 retweets.
In a further statement to the BBC, Mr Tweed confirmed legal action could be taken.
"I would confirm, if necessary, legal proceedings will be taken against Dr Christian Jessen, Twitter and any persons who have recklessly retweeted this false and highly defamatory allegation," he said.
Dr Jessen is best known for presenting Channel 4 programmes Embarrassing Bodies and Supersize vs Superskinny.
Mrs Foster, who has previously complained about abuse on social media, said she had stopped looking at social media because of the level of trolling directed at her.
"The internet is a very dark place, obviously it has brought a lot of good in that everyone is connected nowadays, but it also brings out the worst in some people," she said in July.
