Secrets, Scandals & a Daughter He Never Hid: The Engelbert Humperdinck Lawsuit That Vanished Without a Trace
In the glittering yet often shadowy world of celebrity, few stories mix fame, family, and courtroom drama quite like Engelbert Humperdinck’s forgotten legal battle against the National Enquirer.
Back in 1988, international singing icon Engelbert Humperdinck filed a libel lawsuit against the tabloid after it published statements he claimed were false and damaging to his reputation. The source? A woman named Kathy Jetter – mother of one of Humperdinck’s children born out of wedlock.
Jetter had earlier won a paternity suit against the singer in 1977 after the birth of her daughter, Jennifer. Years later, in an attempt to increase child support, Jetter filed an affidavit in New York Family Court that contained allegations later cited by the Enquirer. Humperdinck fought back in court not just for himself, but to protect his family and legacy.
Yet, the lawsuit didn’t go his way. The case was dismissed, with the National Enquirer legally cleared and Jetter’s claims never legally proven. The dismissal meant no public vindication for Humperdinck and no formal retraction by the tabloid.
Despite the legal loss, fans stood by him, and his career continued to flourish. For many, this episode offered a rare glimpse into the private life of a star often cloaked in mystique. It’s a reminder that behind the romantic ballads and velvet voice, Humperdinck was also a man navigating fame, fatherhood, and fiercely protected truths.