Alabama investigates Harper Lee's book release for elder abuse

Harper Lee photo
(Image credit: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

The state of Alabama is investigating potential elder abuse that may be connected to the release of Harper Lee's upcoming book, Go Set a Watchman.

Investigators have interviewed Lee, 88, at the assisted-living facility where she lives, and they have also spoken with employees and friends. Some sources have said Lee is capable of agreeing to publish the follow-up to her beloved novel To Kill a Mockingbird, while others say her mental state is deteriorating. Lee has "severe hearing and vision problems" and suffered a stroke in 2007, The New York Times reports.

The news comes after Lee's lawyer said last month that the author is "hurt and humiliated" about claims she was coerced into publishing the book.

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Meghan DeMaria is a staff writer at TheWeek.com. She has previously worked for USA Today and Marie Claire.