Phil Collins’s ex-wife has issued legal proceedings against the singer over “wholly false statements” published in his recent autobiography.
Andrea Bertorelli, The Genesis star's first wife, described the book as “the final straw”, adding it "damaged her reputation" and caused "considerable distress".
The musician’s latest autobiography “Not Dead Yet”, published in October, chronicles Mr Collins’s early rise to fame and his private life including his marriage to Ms Bertorelli.
The pair were married in 1975 and had a son, Simon, and Mr Collins adopted her daughter Joely.
But they divorced five years later with Ms Bertorelli citing “adultery” as the reason for their split.
In a statement Ms Bertorelli said: "The recent publication of Phil's autobiography Not Dead Yet is the final straw.
"The book contains a number of wholly false statements about myself and my marriage to Phil which have not only seriously damaged my reputation, but have also caused me considerable distress.
"I am a private person and have never sought the limelight, even during my marriage to Phil.
"However, these attacks on my character and integrity are such that I feel compelled to take legal action.
"I have therefore instructed my solicitors Brett Wilson LLP to instigate proceedings in libel and under the Data Protection Act 1998 against both Phil and the book's publisher.
"I wish to make clear I divorced Phil Collins on the grounds of his adultery. The grounds for divorce were not contested.”
A spokeswoman for the singer said Mr Collins would not be making any comment.
The book publishers have been approached for comment.
The 65-year-old singer recently announced a comeback tour called Phil Collins: Not Dead Yet, Live.
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