Engelbert Humperdinck’s Secret Legal Battles: The Paternity Claims That Shook His Image
Engelbert Humperdinck — beloved for his silky baritone and gentlemanly charm — once found himself embroiled in a scandal that few remember today: a string of paternity lawsuits in the 1980s that could have destroyed his reputation.
📍 The First Claim: A Fan’s Bold Accusation
In 1980, a woman named Gloria Dorsey filed a lawsuit in California, alleging that Engelbert had fathered her son. She demanded paternity recognition and financial support.
But Engelbert denied the relationship, saying:
“I may be in the public eye, but that doesn’t mean my name is free for abuse.”
📍 Tabloid Frenzy
UK tabloids like The Sun and News of the World ran scandalous headlines, labeling Engelbert “the father who vanished” and “not-so-golden crooner.”
The singer hit back with lawsuits of his own, suing multiple outlets for defamation.
📍 DNA Test: The Turning Point
Two years later, a court-ordered paternity test cleared Engelbert. He was not the father, and the lawsuit was dropped. Some papers issued public apologies, but the damage to his public image lingered.
📍 Not a One-Time Incident
At least two more similar cases arose in the 1980s and 1990s. Though dismissed, they cast a shadow over his squeaky-clean persona.
Industry insiders say his overwhelming popularity with women made him a “target for exploitation.”
📍 Humperdinck’s Graceful Response
When asked about the lawsuits in 2001, he replied calmly:
“I don’t hold bitterness. I choose forgiveness. And I keep singing.”
📍 Legacy Intact
Despite the scandals, Engelbert retained his status as a beloved icon. His calm resilience turned a media storm into a footnote—and his voice remained center stage.