**Rebekah Vardy’s Appeal Dismissed in Libel Case Against Coleen Rooney**
Rebekah Vardy has faced a setback as her appeal was rejected regarding claims that Coleen Rooney’s legal team “deliberately” understated costs during the high-profile “Wagatha Christie” libel case. The case originated in 2019 when Coleen Rooney, wife of former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney, accused Vardy of leaking private information to the media.
In 2022, Vardy attempted to sue Rooney for libel, but the case garnered significant public attention and was later adapted for television. The judge ruled that Vardy must cover 90% of Rooney’s legal costs, which included an initial payment of £800,000. The two women are now embroiled in further disputes over the total legal costs Vardy is required to pay.
Last October, a specialist costs judge determined that Rooney’s legal team did not engage in misconduct, despite Vardy’s legal representatives alleging that they had understated some costs. Vardy’s appeal against this ruling was filed last month, but Rooney’s lawyers argued that the appeal was unfounded.
In a ruling delivered on Thursday, High Court judge Mr. Justice Cavanagh dismissed Vardy’s appeal, stating that the original judge was justified in their conclusions. During the previous hearing, it was revealed that Rooney’s claimed legal expenses amounted to £1,833,906.89, significantly exceeding her agreed costs budget of £540,779.07.
Vardy’s counsel, Jamie Carpenter KC, argued that the costs were “disproportionate” and that the alleged understatement of costs was “improper and unreasonable.” However, Senior Costs Judge Andrew Gordon-Saker acknowledged a lack of transparency from Rooney’s legal team but ultimately concluded that there was no wrongdoing.
In written submissions for the appeal, Carpenter contended that Rooney had substantially understated her costs by approximately 40% in her 2021 budget. Conversely, Benjamin Williams KC, representing Rooney, maintained that her budget was accurately completed and that there was no valid case for misconduct.
As the legal battle continues, both parties remain at odds over the financial implications stemming from the case.
**FAQ**
*What was the outcome of Rebekah Vardy’s appeal against Coleen Rooney?*
Rebekah Vardy’s appeal was dismissed by the High Court, upholding the previous ruling that her claims regarding understated legal costs by Coleen Rooney’s team were unfounded.
