Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Chronicle Live
Chronicle Live
Entertainment
Simon Duke

Coleen Rooney's Wagatha Christie trial statement in full as Rebekah Vardy loses

Coleen Rooney says she bears Rebekah Vardy 'no ill will' after winning the Wagatha Christie trial, while being defiant that she was absolutely spot on with her accusations.

The bitter spat between the two stemmed from Coleen's social media claims in October 2019, which set the internet alight, as she accused Rebekah of leaking stories to the press about her, from false things she'd posted on Instagram as test.

Rebekah, wife of England and Leicester striker Jamie, publicly shot down the allegations made against and then took her denial a step further by suing Coleen for the claims she made against her.

The libel trial has been going on for weeks, with Rebekah's agent, Caroline Watt. at the centre of it, with Caroline said to be the one who went to journalists with inside information.

READ MORE: Wagatha Christie verdict: Coleen Rooney wins as Rebekah Vardy loses libel trial

At 12 noon on Friday the Wagatha Christie verdict was published, with it being ruled in Coleen's favour. In a summary of the judgment, Mrs Justice Steyn wrote: "The claim has been dismissed. The defendant succeeded in establishing that the essence of the libel was substantially true.

"The defendant’s alternative defence of publication in the public interest was rejected."

The written verdict put Rebekah in a bad light, saying she condoned the actions of her agent and condoned "was actively engaged in this process."

And now Coleen has spoken out. In a statement in the aftermath of the verdict, she wrote: "Naturally, I am pleased the judge has found in my favour in her judgement today.

Coleen Rooney leaves the Royal Courts of Justice following the sixth day of the high-profile trial dubbed "Wagatha Christie" case (Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

"It was not a case I ever sought or wanted. Both before and after my social media posts in October 2019, I made constant efforts to avoid the need for such a public and drawn out court case.

"But all my efforts to do so were knocked back by Mrs Vardy and her lawyers.

"This left me with no alternative but to go through with the case to defend myself and to end the repeated leaking of my private information to The Sun."

It added: "The leaks from my private Instagram account began in 2017. They continued for almost two years, intruding on my privacy and that of my family.

"Although I bear Mrs Vardy no ill will, today’s judgement makes clear that I was right in what I said in my Instagram posts."

Coleen ended the statement: "Finally, I would to thank all of my legal team, my family and friends and everyone who has supported me - including the public - through this difficult and stressful time."

Read next:

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.