Coleen Rooney has disputed “misleading” claims made in the High Court by Rebekah Vardy, who is challenging the “sheer magnitude” of costs she has to pay as a result of the 2022 Wagatha libel trial. Mrs Vardy lost the case after a judge ruled it was “substantially true” she had leaked Mrs Rooney’s private information to the press, and was ordered to pay 90% of Mrs Rooney’s costs, which has reached more than £1.8m.
On Tuesday, Robin Dunne, representing Mrs Rooney in the costs dispute, said claims made in court on Monday about hotel costs incurred by a lawyer representing her in 2022 were “factually incorrect”. Mrs Vardy’s KC Jamie Carpenter had said Mrs Rooney’s total included costs for a lawyer staying “at the Nobu Hotel, incurring substantial dinner and drinks charges as well as mini bar charges”.
But Mr Dunne noted that the charges had been widely reported in the media as “evidence of the defendant wildly spending”, and said they were “potentially defamatory” and steps would be taken. He clarified that a “modest” hotel had been booked for the lawyer, but due to issues with wi-fi and a working shower, he transferred to the Nobu after Mrs Rooney’s agent offered reduced rates.
Addressing the claim of extravagant spending, Mr Dunne explained that the room at Nobu was charged at £295, the same price as a room at a Premier Inn. He also clarified that the minibar bill had actually come to £7 for two bottles of water, and that the lawyer had not eaten at the Nobu restaurant during his stay.
Senior Costs Judge Andrew Gordon-Saker rejected some of Mrs Vardy’s claims, including that it was “unreasonable” for Mrs Rooney to use a London-based law firm for the case. He stated that given the high-profile nature of the case and the need for defamation expertise, it was a reasonable choice to seek legal representation in central London.
The judge also dismissed claims that it was unreasonable for Mrs Rooney to consult her barrister on multiple occasions, emphasizing the complexity of the case and the conduct of Mrs Vardy, which “clearly justifies rates in excess of the guidelines” for experienced lawyers.
The Wagatha libel trial, which captivated the public with its drama and intrigue, has continued to make headlines as the costs dispute unfolds. The case, which inspired a play and led to the trademarking of the phrase “Wagatha Christie” by Mrs Vardy, remains a point of contention between the two high-profile figures.
