Paula Bennett threatens legal action over online post

Deputy Prime Minister Paula Bennett. Photo / File

A man is being accused of harassing Deputy Prime Minister Paula Bennett after he posted a video online alleging she committed a number of serious crimes in her past.

Lawyers for Bennett have sent a cease and desist letter to the man ordering him to remove an open letter which they say has been shared online more than 5000 times.

They've also demanded the removal of a Facebook Live video with more than 100 shares.

"Not only do these allegations very seriously defame the Deputy Prime Minister, but she, and we as her lawyers, will regard it as a form of harassment," the letter says.

"You should immediately remove this content."

Her lawyers have declared a "categorical rejection" by Bennett of the allegations.

Facebook has removed both the letter and the video however the man has posted a series of follow-up videos in response that remain online, while the letter has since been shared on other sites.

The man has also accused the National Party of hacking his computer to remove the videos.

Bennett is currently overseas, attending a climate ministers meeting in Fiji.

The letter also threatens defamation proceedings and a restraining order.