Harper Lee's lawyer says the author is 'hurt and humiliated' people doubt her lucidity

Harper Lee photo
(Image credit: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

The surprise announcement last week that Harper Lee would release a second novel, a To Kill a Mockingbird sequel, resurfaced questions about the 88-year-old author's mental health, with some wondering whether the reclusive author had been tricked into publishing the book. Yet Lee's lawyer pushed back against that suggestion in an interview with The New York Times, saying Lee was "extremely hurt and humiliated" by the claim.

"She is a very strong, independent and wise woman who should be enjoying the discovery of her long lost novel," the lawyer, Tonja Carter, said. "Instead, she is having to defend her own credibility and decision making."

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Jon Terbush

Jon Terbush is an associate editor at TheWeek.com covering politics, sports, and other things he finds interesting. He has previously written for Talking Points Memo, Raw Story, and Business Insider.