Coleen Rooney was praised for being "dignified" during the Wagatha Christie trial.
Rebekah Vardy, 40, took Coleen to court after a viral social media post in October 2019. In the post Coleen, 36, said she had carried out a "sting operation" and accused Mrs Vardy of leaking "false stories" about her private life to the press.
Mrs Rooney publicly claimed Mrs Vardy's account was the source behind three fake stories she had posted on her private Instagram account. Mrs Vardy denied leaking the stories and sued her fellow footballer's wife for libel, while Coleen defended the claim on the basis her post was "substantially true".
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Following the fallout of the "Wagatha Christie" trial, Rebekah was told she must pay for 90% of Coleen's legal fees. In a judgment released today, Mrs Justice Steyn said the legal bill, which Coleen is said to not have finalised with the court, was last estimated in a witness statement by Coleen’s lawyer Paul Lunt at £1,667,860.48.
The judge said Rebekah should pay £800,000 by 4pm on November 15. Coleen originally wanted 100% of her legal fees to be covered, but Rebekah wanted to pay 80% as the judge had found in her favour for several matters disputed at the trial.
ECHO readers reacted to the news on Facebook, with many applauding Coleen.
Paul G Marwing said: "Made my day, there is some justice in this world. Well done to Coleen for keeping her dignity. Says a lot about the lady she is."
Ann Evans said: "Remember Coleen tried to sort it out before the trial, but Vardy wanted her day in court and it's cost her big time not just money her reputation."
Aud Doyle said: "She deserves every penny for being dragged through the circus."
Following the judgement, Rebekah took to her Instagram along with a screenshot of a comment that said: 'She'd be far happier to see the money they have spent on lawyers being used in a more positive and productive way.' The quote is in reference to Coleen's thoughts on having to spend so much money on the trial.
Alongside an image of a charity tip jar, Rebekah said: "Let's hope you put your money where your mouth is and some good can come from this whole embarrassing spectacle!" Rebekah also tagged Coleen in the post but no response has been issued.
A number of ECHO readers also urged Coleen to give some of the money to charity.
Wendy Williams said: "All that money, shameful. Hope Coleen will give sum to charities food banks, I am sure she will."
Liane Brady said: "I’m glad she has to pay. I hope Coleen Rooney does good with the money. Maybe donate it to some Merseyside food banks or other worthy charities x"
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