Rooney Celebrates Conclusion of 'Wagatha Christie' Legal Saga

Coleen Rooney has expressed palpable relief following the latest ruling in her high-profile legal battle against Rebekah Vardy, commonly referred to as the “Wagatha Christie” trial. This recent decision, announced by a judge, concluded that Mrs Vardy is liable for over £1.4 million in legal costs incurred by Mrs Rooney, a sum that includes £1.19 million for the initial claim and an additional £212,266 in assessment costs.

In her reaction, Mrs Rooney stated via social media that the ruling “finally brings closure for my family and I.” She reflected on the lengthy legal process, indicating that it “did not need to be made or run for as long as it did,” and asserted that the resources expended could have been better utilised elsewhere. She thanked her legal team, family, and the public for their support throughout the ordeal and expressed hope for moving forward with her life.

The legal conflict, which began when Mrs Rooney accused Vardy of leaking private information to the press through her Instagram account, culminated in a ruling by the High Court in July 2022. The judge found Mrs Rooney’s accusations “substantially true,” leading to a significant defeat for Mrs Vardy, who had sought to sue for libel. Vardy's case crumbled under the scrutiny of evidence, with the judge remarking that her testimony was inconsistent while describing Mrs Rooney as an “honest and reliable witness.”

In a further twist, Vardy is currently challenging the overall legal costs, initially pegged at around £2.4 million, arguing that various expenses, including those related to her legal representation, were unwarranted. This comes on the heels of an additional financial obligation where Vardy has been ordered to pay a further £100,000 to Mrs Rooney, with deadlines imposed for payment. Senior costs judge Andrew Gordon-Saker made it clear that this arrangement was put in place to ensure that Mrs Rooney would not be left out of her entitled costs.

Overall, the "Wagatha Christie" saga has underscored the intricate intersection of celebrity culture, social media, and the legal system, drawing significant public interest along the way. Many observers have echoed thoughts on the case's excessive duration and the financial implications for both parties involved.

As the dust settles on this high-profile dispute, Mrs Rooney’s statement captures the sentiment shared by many: a desire to move past what has proved to be a long and taxing chapter, with hopes that the focus can now shift back to family and personal life, free from the incessant glare of public scrutiny.

Reference Map:

Source: Noah Wire Services