A fresh legal trouble has surfaced for Bollywood actor Celina Jaitly and her estranged husband Peter Haag, as the latter and his family have resorted to legal action over what they have described as defamatory and misleading public allegations.

Semwal & Co., a Mumbai-based law firm confirmed that Jaitly has been served two legal notices on behalf of Peter Haag and his father, DI Wolfgang J. Haag. The notices have accused Jaitly of fabricating and propagating false, sensationalised and defamatory statements through media interviews, social media posts and public interaction amid the couple’s ongoing divorce and child custody proceedings. 

Matrimonial, child custody cases underway in Austria

As per the law firm, one notice has been issued by Haag’s father, while the second has been sent by Haag in both his personal capacity and as the father of the couple’s three children. It has been mentioned in the notices that matrimonial and child custody proceedings are currently underway before courts in Austria. Despite the matter being sub judice, the Haag family alleged that public statements carrying unfounded accusations against Peter and his kin have continued to be disseminated through various platforms. 

The family claimed it initially refrained from responding publicly in the hope that the dispute would remain under the wraps. However, they now contend that continued publicity surrounding the allegations has compelled them to seek legal remedies.

Family denies allegations of abuse

In the notices, the Haag family has denied a series of allegations, including claims portraying Peter as abusive, violent, manipulative or emotionally suppressive. It also dismissed the allegations pertaining to domestic violence, emotional abuse, harassment, intimidation, confinement of children, brainwashing and claims involving religion and radicalisation.

The legal documents underscored that such accusations have caused sizable reputational damage and may potentially influence the ongoing judicial proceedings in Austria. 

Haag family raises concerns over children’s privacy

The notices also shed light on the public discussion surrounding the couple’s children. The Haag family alleged that repeated references to the children in media reports, including the publication of their photographs and personal details, have exposed them to unnecessary scrutiny and emotional distress. 

The notices contended that matters involving minors must be handled with discretion, particularly while custody proceedings remain active before a court. Furthermore, they argued that the alleged conduct may constitute defamation under Section 356 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), invasion of privacy, emotional distress and interference with judicial proceedings through prejudicial public commentary. 

Notices seek removal of defamatory content, demand apology

According to reports, the notices have sought the immediate removal of content flagged defamatory, restraint from making further public statements concerning the proceedings and the children, as well as a public clarification and unconditional apology. The family has also urged media outlets to exercise caution while reporting on the dispute.

Notably, two weeks earlier, the Mumbai Police had registered an FIR against Haag on the basis of a complaint filed by Jaitly. She accused Haag of cruelty, physical harm, criminal intimidation and harassment under provisions of the BNS.