Rolling Stones settle lawsuit over NZ shows

Ronnie Wood, Mick Jagger, Charlie Watts and Keith Richards of British band The Rolling Stones. Photo / Getty Images

The Rolling Stones were so upset personal matters were being made public they settled out of court with insurers over claims for cancelled shows in Australia and New Zealand, a spokesman for lead singer Mick Jagger says.

The band scrapped the tour in March after Jagger's girlfriend L'Wren Scott took her own life in her New York apartment.

They claimed on insurance against losses incurred by the cancellation of the tour. Insurers refused to pay and the case went to court.

"We are deeply upset that confidential medical and other private information about members of the band and their immediate family and loved ones has entered the public domain as a result of a US court filing initiated by insurers four weeks ago," the spokesman from London public relations firm LD Communications said.

"This was done without the knowledge of the band or reference to their legal representatives," he added. The spokesman revealed that the case had been settled out of court for an undisclosed sum.

Insurers argued that Scott's death was not entirely unexpected and so might not have been covered by the policy.

The policy covered the cancellation of shows attendant on the unexpected death of any of the band's family members and their loved ones listed in the policy.

The insurers claimed Scott, who was on the list, might have been suffering from a pre-existing mental illness and that this could have invalidated the policy and so obviated a payout.

In court documents that became public, upsetting Jagger and other band members, insurers maintained that "Scott intended to, and did, commit suicide and her death was therefore not 'sudden and unforeseen'."

Fashion designer Scott was reported to owe creditors $US7 million ($A7.57 million).

Scott had been Jagger's partner since he separated from Jerry Hall in 2001.

After news of the court case broke this week, Jagger tweeted: "Thank you for all your supportive messages over the last few days, I really appreciate it."

Private matters, including medical records, were laid bare in the legal documents.

One document said that Jagger was "diagnosed as suffering from acute traumatic stress disorder" after Scott's death and advised by doctors not to perform for at least 30 days.

In a brief statement shortly after her death, Jagger said he was "still struggling to understand how my lover and best friend could end her life in this tragic way," noting that "we spent many wonderful years together and had made a great life for ourselves".

In her will, Scott wrote: "I give all my jewelry, clothing, household furniture and furnishings, personal automobiles, and other tangible articles of a personal nature ... to Michael Philip Jagger."

Where to get help:

• Lifeline: 0800 543 354 (available 24/7)

• Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)

• Youth services: (06) 3555 906

• Youthline: 0800 376 633

• Kidsline: 0800 543 754 (4pm to 6pm weekdays)

• Whatsup: 0800 942 8787 (1pm to 11pm)

• The Word

• Depression helpline: 0800 111 757 (available 24/7)

• Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155

• CASPER Suicide Prevention

If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.

- DPA