Earl Spencer has publicly praised his partner, Professor Cat Jarman, for her ‘quiet courage’ as a legal battle regarding her medical privacy reached its conclusion.

Privacy Dispute Resolved

The dispute originated from Professor Jarman’s claim that Earl Spencer’s estranged wife, Karen Spencer, revealed her diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) without her consent. The High Court case concluded in December with a settlement; the countess did not admit liability but agreed to an indemnity as part of divorce proceedings.

Statement Delivered in Court

Disagreements over a statement to be read in court initially delayed the final resolution. Today, Professor Jarman’s lawyer presented a two-page statement in open court, detailing her distress over the breach of confidentiality and her disappointment at the lack of admission of wrongdoing.

The statement emphasized Professor Jarman’s deliberate choice to keep her MS diagnosis private, sharing it only with a limited number of people due to concerns about potential discrimination. She underscored the fundamental importance of medical privacy as a human right.

Concerns Over Disclosure

Professor Jarman expressed significant strain and anxiety caused by the countess’s inability to provide a complete list of individuals informed about her condition. The countess acknowledged informing ‘a few people’ – family and close friends – but could not recall specifics.

Support and Regret

Professor Jarman, supported by friends, stated her motivation for delivering the statement was to protect medical privacy rights, particularly during MS Awareness Week. Earl Spencer echoed this sentiment, commending his girlfriend’s ‘grace, integrity, and quiet courage’ in defending her right to privacy.

Professor Jarman’s former husband, Tom Jarman, also issued a statement expressing ‘huge personal regret’ for initially disclosing her diagnosis to the countess during a private conversation in late April 2024. He accused the countess of ‘weaponising’ the information, describing their exchange as ‘very sensitive and private.’

Importance of Medical Privacy

The case highlights the complexities surrounding medical privacy, the potential harm caused by unauthorized disclosure, and the importance of respecting individual autonomy over personal health information. Professor Jarman and Earl Spencer are now collaborating with the MS Society to raise awareness and advocate for the rights of those living with MS.