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Corrs strikes a blow for Rebel Wilson
Corrs Chambers Westgarth has successfully represented Rebel Wilson in her defamation proceedings against Bauer Media.
Tom Lodewyke
The legal battle followed the publication of a series of articles in Bauer publications Woman’s Day and Women’s Weekly, which made defamatory claims about Ms Wilson that led her to lose several lucrative Hollywood roles, including voiceover work for Kung Fu Panda 3 and Trolls.
“The jury accepted that Bauer’s magazines engaged in a calculated campaign to capitalise on Rebel Wilson’s public success,” said Corrs Partner Richard Leder (pictured above), who was the principal partner on the matter.
“Even on the eve of trial, they published a story about her that was simply a fabrication. The jury accepted that their claims were defamatory and untrue.”
Ms Wilson’s victory is particularly significant considering the ongoing controversy over ‘fake news’.
“The media has a critical role to play in our society, but freedom of the press doesn’t justify chequebook journalism or plagiarism,” Mr Leder said.
“Rebel Wilson pursued her claim because the defamatory publications cost her movie roles and seriously damaged her career.
“With the international publicity attracted by the case and her successful outcome, her reputation and her honesty [have] been vindicated. The support she received during the trial was also extremely reaffirming for her.
“We are delighted to have advised Rebel Wilson on this important defamation case and thrilled with the outcome. This is a clear example of Corrs’ capabilities in acting for high-profile public figures to protect their reputation and interests.”
