Harper Lee’s agent dismisses ‘elder abuse’ allegations

Rob Carr / AP

In this Aug. 20, 2007, file photo, “To Kill a Mockingbird” author Harper Lee smiles during a ceremony honoring the four new members of the Alabama Academy of Honor at the State Capitol in Montgomery, Ala. Lee’s literary agent said Friday, March 13, 2015, that he was “surprised” that his client was believed a victim of elder abuse and asserted “categorically” that she was in “full possession of her mental faculties.” State investigators looked into whether a recent deal to publish Lee’s upcoming second novel involved financial fraud. A state official said March 12 that the inquiry is now closed.

Associated Press

Friday, March 13, 2015 | 11:07 a.m.

NEW YORK — Harper Lee's literary agent says he was "surprised" that his client was believed a victim of elder abuse and asserted "categorically" that she was in "full possession of her mental faculties."

The statement from Andrew Nurnberg was issued Friday through Lee's publisher, HarperCollins. Speculation about the 88-year-old author has been ongoing since last month's stunning announcement that Lee had approved the release of "Go Set a Watchman," her first since "To Kill a Mockingbird."

State investigators in Alabama looked into whether publishing "Go Set a Watchman" involved financial fraud. She answered questions to the satisfaction of the Alabama Securities Commission and that part of the inquiry was closed, a state official said Thursday. The state's Department of Human Resources oversaw the investigation.