Wagatha Christie Timeline: Analyzing the Vardy v Rooney Libel Battle
Introduction
The libel case between Rebekah Vardy and Coleen Rooney, dubbed "Wagatha Christie," has gripped the British public and media for years. The saga began in 2019 when Rooney accused Vardy of leaking stories to The Sun newspaper about her private life. Vardy denied the allegations and sued Rooney for defamation. Here is a detailed timeline of the case:2019: Rooney's "Wagatha Christie" Post
On October 9, 2019, Coleen Rooney posted a statement on Twitter and Instagram, accusing Rebekah Vardy of leaking stories about her to The Sun newspaper. She explained that she had conducted a "sting operation" by posting fake stories on her private Instagram account and limiting access to Vardy. When these stories appeared in The Sun, Rooney claimed that Vardy was responsible.
2020: Vardy's Defamation Lawsuit
In June 2020, Rebekah Vardy filed a defamation lawsuit against Coleen Rooney, seeking damages of up to £1 million. Vardy denied the allegations and claimed that Rooney's post had caused her significant distress and reputational damage.
2021: High Court Hearing
The High Court hearing began on May 10, 2021, with both Vardy and Rooney giving evidence. The case gained significant media attention, with journalists and the public closely following the proceedings.
2022: Rooney's Victory
On July 29, 2022, the High Court ruled in favor of Coleen Rooney, finding that her accusation that Rebekah Vardy had leaked stories to The Sun was "substantially true." The judge dismissed Vardy's claim for damages and ordered her to pay 90% of Rooney's legal costs, estimated to be around £1.5 million.
Aftermath and Appeal
Following the High Court ruling, Rebekah Vardy announced her intention to appeal the decision. The Court of Appeal hearing is scheduled to take place in November 2023. The outcome of the appeal will determine the final resolution of the "Wagatha Christie" case.
Conclusion
The "Wagatha Christie" libel battle has been a high-profile and complex case that has attracted widespread attention. The High Court ruling in favor of Coleen Rooney was a significant victory for her, but the appeal process is likely to continue the saga for some time to come.
