British soccer wife Coleen Rooney accused another player’s spouse, Rebekah Vardy, of betraying her by leaking made-up stories to the tabloid press, as the duo’s high-profile libel battle got underway Tuesday.
Rooney, who is married to former Manchester United star Wayne Rooney, is being sued by Vardy in London’s High Court after she called her out on Instagram over the alleged leaks.
“This is a case essentially about betrayal,” Ronney’s lawyer, David Sherborne, said in opening written submissions at the start of the trial, the LBC reported.
In court, Rooney’s lawyer claimed Vardy “was responsible for regularly abusing her status as a trusted follower of [Rooney’s] personal Instagram account by secretly informing The Sun of [Rooney’s] private posts and stories.”
Wayne Rooney of England speaks with team-mate Jamie Vardy on the bench before the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier Group F match.Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images
Wayne Rooney and Jamie Vardy of England speak during the international friendly match between England and Portugal at Wembley Stadium on June 2, 2016 in London, England. Shaun Botterill/Getty ImagesRooney has said she tried to snuff out the leaker by posting fake tales on purpose over the course of several months. Eventually, Rooney said she blocked everyone apart from an accounting belonging to Vardy from her Instagram stories. When those stories appeared in The Sun, Rooney announced to her followers that Vardy was responsible.
Vardy, who is married to Leicester City player Jamie Vardy, has vehemently denied the allegations.
Her lawyer, High Tomlinson, said that Vardy wants to “vindicate her reputation,” after being slapped with “false allegations.”
Coleen Rooney accused Rebekah Vardy of betraying her by leaking made-up stories to the tabloid press.EPA/ANDY RAIN
Coleen Rooney, wife of former England footballer Wayne Rooney, arrives to the High Court in central London for the start of the “Wagatha Christie” libel trial on May 10, 2022.NIKLAS HALLE'N/AFP via Getty ImagesHe said Vardy and her family had been “subjected to abuse and threats” over the accusations and were “jeered and heckled at football matches,” as well as “made the butt of endless jokes,” the Standard reported.
Vardy’s lawyer told the court there was “no irrefutable evidence” that she was the person behind the leaks.
“Mrs. Rooney was accusing Mrs. Vardy of betraying her and betraying her friends and family by disclosing this private information. That allegation was false, Mrs. Vardy had not done that,” her lawyer said.
Coleen Rooney’s barrister David Sherborne, right, questioning Rebekah Vardy as she gives evidence at the Royal Courts Of Justice, London, Tuesday, May 10, 2022. Elizabeth Cook/PA via AP
An online spat between top England footballers’ wives Rebekah Vardy and Coleen Rooney over leaks to a tabloid newspaper has reached court. NIKLAS HALLE'N/AFP via Getty ImagesUnder English defamation law, Rooney and her legal team must successfully prove her post about Vardy was “substantially true.”
Even if Coleen’s legal team successfully makes its case, The Times reports she may still have to foot the bill on some of the legal costs.
Meanwhile, if Rebekah emerges victorious, she could be awarded paltry damages.
Coleen Rooney departs the High Court with her husband and former England football captain Wayne Rooney.EPA/ANDY RAIN
Rebekah Vardy departs the High Court in London, Britain, May 10, 2022. EPA/ANDY RAINThe trial is expected to last for six days, with a ruling at a later date.
With Post wires
