Maureen O'hara Launches Legal Action Against Former Assistant

The Quiet Man star held a press conference at a hotel in Glengarriff, Ireland last week (11Jul12) to confirm she has launched legal action against longtime assistant Carolyn Murphy.

O'Hara's lawyers revealed Murphy has been stripped off her power of attorney in light of a dispute over how the actress' affairs were handled, and O'Hara is now seeking to regain the rights to her own image and name.

In a statement read out to reporters, O'Hara said, "I trusted Carolyn Murphy, not only as my personal assistant, but also as my power of attorney for the past six years. I have recently made discoveries that give me grave concern regarding Carolyn Murphy's handling of my affairs (during) those years...

"I recently revoked all aspects of the power of attorney, which I had formerly entrusted to Carolyn, and she is no longer my personal assistant. I also underwent testing to certify my own competence in conducting my affairs, and I am assisted by family members, trusted lawyers and accountants."

A spokesperson for Murphy told the Irish Times, "Carolyn Murphy has always acted in Ms O'Hara's best interest and will continue to do so. She's dealing with these unfortunate affairs in the appropriate way."

The annual Maureen O'Hara film festival, due to take place in Glengarriff later this summer (12), has now been cancelled.