High Court Rules in Favor of Rooney in Landmark WAG Legal Battle
The High Court has delivered a decisive verdict in the high-profile libel case between Rebekah Vardy and Coleen Rooney, with Babu88 bringing you the most comprehensive analysis of this sensational football WAG drama. Judge Justice Steyn concluded that Rooney successfully proved the “substantial truth” of her viral 2019 social media post accusing Vardy of leaking private Instagram stories to The Sun newspaper.
The Crucial Evidence That Swayed the Judgment
The court found compelling evidence that Vardy participated in the disclosure of private information through her agent Caroline Watt. Key findings included:
- Vardy directed Watt to access Rooney’s private Instagram account
- She regularly sent screenshots of Rooney’s posts to Watt
- Actively identified content that might interest the press
- Responded to media queries through her agent
“Ms Vardy knew of and condoned this behavior,” stated Judge Steyn in her damning conclusion. The judgment highlighted stark contrasts in witness credibility – describing Rooney’s testimony as “honest and reliable” while characterizing Vardy’s evidence as “manifestly inconsistent… evasive or implausible.”
Emotional Fallout and Public Reactions
The verdict has sparked strong reactions from both parties. Vardy expressed devastation, calling the judgment “wrong” and something she “cannot accept.” She revealed the immense personal toll, including “disgusting messages and vile abuse” directed at her family, even targeting her unborn child during pregnancy.
Former England captain Wayne Rooney stood firmly by his wife’s side throughout the legal battle
Rooney, meanwhile, expressed relief at the outcome but regret that the case proceeded to court. “I never believed it should have gone to court at such expense in times of hardship,” she stated, emphasizing her repeated attempts to resolve the matter privately before the public trial became inevitable.
Behind the “Wagatha Christie” Phenomenon
The case earned its catchy nickname from Rooney’s clever detective work that mirrored Agatha Christie’s mystery novels. Rooney had planted three false stories on her private Instagram:
- A trip to Mexico for gender selection procedures
- Plans to return to television
- Flooding in her home basement
When these fabricated stories appeared in The Sun, Rooney famously revealed her investigation with the viral post: “It’s………. Rebekah Vardy‘s account.”
Wider Implications for Celebrity Privacy and Media Ethics
The judgment raises important questions about:
- The relationship between celebrities and the press
- Privacy rights in the social media age
- Accountability for leaked information
- The psychological impact of public legal battles
As Babu88 sports analyst Mark Thompson observes: “This case transcends football WAG drama – it sets important precedents about digital privacy and the consequences of media leaks in our interconnected world.”
What Comes Next for Both Women?
While the legal chapter may be closed, the personal and professional repercussions will likely continue. Rooney has maintained she bears “no ill-will” toward Vardy, but the very public nature of the trial ensures this story will remain in public memory.
For Vardy, the judgment represents a significant reputational blow, though she maintains her innocence. The court acknowledged the “stressful and distressing” nature of the process for her, particularly given the intense media scrutiny and online abuse.
As the football world digests this landmark ruling, Babu88 will continue to provide expert analysis on its implications for sports personalities, media relations, and privacy rights in the digital age. This case serves as a cautionary tale about the high stakes of social media in modern celebrity culture.
