Wagatha Christie libel case settlement confirmed after lengthy battle

The high-profile 'Wagatha Christie' libel case between Rebekah Vardy and Coleen Rooney has reached a settlement after years of legal battles and public scrutiny. The dispute began in 2019 when Rooney accused Vardy of leaking private information to the press, a claim the High Court later found to be 'substantially true.' Following Rooney's successful defense, Vardy was ordered to pay 90% of Rooney's legal costs, amounting to nearly £1.2 million, with an additional £212,000 following a costs assessment hearing. The court scrutinized Rooney's legal bill, reducing some claimed hours and examining expenses, but ultimately allowed most of the contested rates and costs. The settlement brings an end to a lengthy and expensive legal saga, marked by intense media attention and significant financial consequences for Vardy. Both parties have now agreed on the assessed costs, drawing the protracted case to a close.