Morrissey has responded (in typically loquacious fashion) to claims made by a former bodyguard that the singer fired him for refusing to hurt the owner of a fan site.

Moz called the story "a vexatious lie" in a lengthy statement released on another website and said the accusation made by his ex-bodyguard, Bradley Steyn, "lends itself to its own ridicule."

According to TMZ, Steyn filed a lawsuit against Morrissey claiming wrongful termination. Steyn said Morrissey asked him if the person running the site Morrissey-solo.com "could get hurt" and that his tour manager also asked if the blogger "could be gotten rid of." Steyn said Morrissey felt that the site "invaded his personal life" and reportedly fired Steyn when he allegedly refused to help.

Here's Morrissey's complete response:

I cannot admit to actually “knowing” Bradley Steyn. Yes, I am aware that he is South African and that he lives in Los Angeles, and that he has “walked off” three Morrissey tours – which really is his own business, not mine. My personal involvement with him has been zero, and he has certainly never been Head Of Security on any Morrissey tour.

I am aware of the false story he has placed on various news sites wherein he claims I asked him to “hurt” (kill?) David Tseng. Although Steyn’s story lends itself to its own ridicule, I feel I must say to those who have not yet worked it out, that the story is a vexatious lie.

It is common knowledge that I dislike the SoLow site, and I am aware that all of the opinions posted on the site are controlled or written by David Tseng, and that David Tseng will give maximum and inexhaustive publicity to anything said in the negative about me. This is a general truth that most people accept about SoLow. It is nothing new, and I have long since learned to accept it.

The very idea that I would ask a complete stranger (Bradley Steyn) to physically attack David Tseng surely cannot register with any sane person as being likely. As mildly irritating as David Tseng may be, he is not someone who troubles me enough to even bother with.

The shabby truth of this drama is that Bradley Steyn has been trying to extract money from what he terms “the Morrissey tour”, and he has failed. He is now desperate, and this story is his latest escapade to gain someone’s attention. What he is telling the world is that, as a music venue security officer, anyone who works with him in the future should expect the same harassment and persecution as he is now – mysteriously – wielding my way. It is beyond belief, and it is shocking that someone who makes claims of professionalism would lower himself to this level.

Please note that Bradley Steyn’s statement is now in the hands of the Los Angeles Police Department, and is subject to both criminal and civil action.

MORRISSEY
30 July 2014.

This isn't the only controversy the former Smiths singer has been mired in recently: After his tour was canceled last month, he blamed opener Kristeen Young for infecting him and his crew with an illness. She denied all charges.

Let's just hope nobody shows him this video of Pantera's Phil Anselmo trying to sing the Smiths' ‘Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want':

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