Hurley 'distressed' at Bing's paternity proceedings

Liz Hurley says she is "extremely distressed" to hear Steve Bing has started legal proceedings to establish whether he is the father of her newborn child.

The 36-year-old said she found it "astonishing" the Hollywood film producer had brought the High Court action.

Hurley gave birth to a son, Damian, at the private Portland Hospital in central London earlier this month and has always maintained that Bing was the father.

Bing announced his intention to bring legal proceedings and that he had instructed a UK firm of solicitors to handle the case.

But Hurley's statement countered: "Elizabeth finds Stephen's statement astonishing seeing that he hasn't made any attempt to contact her whatsoever since he was informed of Damian's birth by her sister Katie on April 4.

"He has neither called her, written to her or had any mutual friends pass on any messages. Elizabeth has always made it clear that she is willing to participate in paternity tests and is extremely distressed that Stephen is attempting to resolve these personal issues publicly."

The High Court could order DNA tests to be carried out on Damian if the two parties fail to reach an amicable agreement.

Hurley was said to be "deeply distraught" when Bing issued a public statement casting doubt on her claims soon after she fell pregnant last year.

"Ms Hurley and I were not in an exclusive relationship when she became pregnant. It is her choice to be a single mother," the statement read. "If indeed I am the father, I will be an extremely involved and responsible parent."

Hurley hit back by saying: "I'm deeply distraught by Stephen Bing publicly declaring that he hadn't been in an 'exclusive relationship' with me. I loved Stephen enormously during the 18 months we were together.

"Contrary to erroneous reports, we were still very much happy together when I discovered I was pregnant. I was completely loyal and faithful to Stephen throughout this time as, indeed, he assured me he was to me."