The dad of Jimmy Carr is said to be suing him for defamation after making too many gags about his old man.
Sources close to Jim Carr Sr say he is sick of the comic's "lies" about him and has decided to take legal action.
The businessman, 77, has been in a two decade-long conflict with his son and called in lawyers after reading his memoir Before and Laughter.
A well-placed source revealed: "The last thing Jim wanted to do was take his own son to court, but enough is enough. He's sick and tired of this false characterisation of himself that is being presented.
"Jimmy's snide comments about his dad have been going on for years. The straw that broke the camel’s back was this new book and some of the things he has been saying on podcasts.
"I know it's fashionable nowadays not to get on with your father, but Jim's had enough of the lies. He is a businessman and has a reputation to defend. The only way to put a stop to the nonsense is by suing for defamation."
Carr Jr, 50, is no stranger to causing offence and there were calls for Netflix to be prosecuted when the comic made what was dubbed a "cruel and inhumane" gag about the Holocaust on His Dark Material special.
If his dad's legal case goes ahead, this will be the first time the comic has been sued.
Carr Jr was raised by Irish parents in Farnham Common and Gerrards Cross, Bucks. His mum Nora died of pancreatitis aged 57 in 2001 and at around this time he says he stopped speaking to his father.
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In 2004, Carr Jr accused his dad of harassment, but the claims were thrown out of court.
He now lives in North London with his two children and girlfriend. Last year he told a podcast: "I haven’t seen my dad in 21 years and you know the line, 'My mother’s dead and my father's dead to me' – which sounds very cold, until you meet the guy."
The claim has been issued at court, and will be served in due course. Carr Sr said: "I have no comment to make."
Carr Jr was approached for comment.
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