A fundraising appeal has been set up by TV presenter Dr Christian Jessen after he was ordered to pay damages of £125,000 (€145,000) to Northern Ireland First Minister Arlene Foster.
The medic, host of Embarrassing Bodies on Channel 4, had posted what a judge at the High Court in Belfast described as an "outrageous" defamatory tweet about the former DUP leader.
Ms Foster sued Dr Jessen for defamation for the tweet he posted on 23 December 2019, making a false allegation of an affair to his 300,000-plus followers.
Mr Justice McAlinden ordered him to pay damages of £125,000 and Arlene Foster's legal costs.
Dr Jessen tweeted out a link yesterday to his Gofundme page, which is called "Support Dr Christian". He lists a fundraising target of £150,000 and has so far received over £4,500 in donations.
On the page, he writes that he is "considering an appeal" and "seeking to raise funds to help me to fight what is a most unfair situation".
Dr Jessen also tells supporters: "The last year or so has been very difficult for me as I have struggled with some serious mental health problems.
"Knowing I have your support is hugely encouraging and affirming. I'm very grateful."
He adds that "any monies raised surplus to the costs will be donated to relevant charities".
Speaking outside the High Court after the judgment against Dr Jessen last Thursday, Ms Foster's solicitor Paul Tweed said he hoped it would be a "watershed" for all women who have been attacked on social media.
Mr Tweed said: "My client is very satisfied with the substantial sum in damages awarded by the court today. Indeed I believe this is a record award for a tweet."
He said the case would "hopefully act as an encouragement and a watershed for all women in public life who have been subjected to similar attacks on social media".
Mr Tweed said that Ms Foster would not be making any further comment on the judgment.
