Rebekah Vardy has been ordered to pay over £1.4 million in legal fees to Coleen Rooney after their high-profile libel battle, famously known as the “Wagatha Christie” trial.
Legal Battle Fallout
The legal saga unfolded when Coleen Rooney successfully defended herself against Rebekah Vardy’s High Court claim in 2022, with Mrs. Rooney accumulating a hefty legal bill exceeding £1.8 million.
The Verdict
After losing the case, court documents revealed that Rebekah Vardy was directed to cover 90% of Coleen Rooney’s legal expenses. This totaled just over £1.4 million, inclusive of interest and additional assessment costs.
A Costly Conclusion
Costs judge Mark Whalan expressed contentment with the resolution, deeming it a “commercially satisfactory conclusion for both sides.” However, he raised concerns about the exorbitant costs incurred by both parties throughout the litigation process.
“I hope that this is the end of a long and unhappy road,” Judge Whalan remarked during the proceedings.
High-Profile Personalities
Coleen Rooney, wife of former England footballer Wayne Rooney, and Rebekah Vardy, spouse of Jamie Vardy from the same team, have evolved into celebrities and television figures beyond their initial roles as footballers’ wives.
Despite their absence at the remote hearing, Judge Whalan advocated for closure between the two personalities involved in this widely publicized legal dispute.
Legal Arguments
Rebekah Vardy’s barrister contended that Coleen Rooney’s claimed costs were unreasonably high and should be capped at no more than £100,000. Conversely, lawyers representing Mrs. Rooney argued that Mrs. Vardy’s actions were self-inflicted and called for introspection on her part.
Judge Clears Coleen’s Lawyers
Addressing allegations of misconduct by Coleen Rooney’s legal team during the Wagatha Christie trial, Judge Whalan did not find any wrongdoing on their part.
The fallout from this landmark case continues to capture public attention as these two prominent figures navigate through their post-trial aftermath.
Leave feedback about this