Geoffrey Rush ‘virtually housebound and barely eating’ after harassment claims
Australian actor claims his career has been destroyed by tabloid reports of inappropriate behaviour
Actor Geoffrey Rush has suffered “tremendous emotional and social hardship” since an Australian newspaper alleged he behaved inappropriately towards a colleague, a court has been told.
The 66-year-old, who vehemently denies the claim, is suing News Corp subsidiary Nationwide News, which publishes Sydney tabloid The Daily Telegraph, and journalist Jonathon Moran for defamation.
The Telegraph alleged last year that Rush had been accused of “inappropriate behaviour” during a Sydney Theatre Company production of King Lear in 2015.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
According to an affidavit filed today by the Australian actor’s lawyer, the reports have left Rush virtually housebound, barely eating and taking medication for anxiety.
It is also claimed that the Oscar winner believes his career has been “irreparably damaged” by the allegations.
“The applicant has found that as a direct result of the publications he has been constantly associated in Australia and internationally with the #MeToo movement,” according to the affidavit.
The Telegraph has defended its reports and is attempting to file a cross-claim against the theatre company, reports The Sydney Morning Herald.
Lawyers for Nationwide News and Moran say that the company “sent out statements about Rush that were clearly intended for publication” and that no inaccuracies in the story were pointed out when it was read to a publicist over the phone, the Herald adds.
The defamation case is expected to go to trial in December.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Russia's best investment
Opinion Eric Adams isn't the only politician with foreign benefactors
By William Falk Published
-
6 show-stopping homes with striking interiors
Feature Featuring a copper tree entry in Oregon and a home inspired by a Japanese hunting lodge in California
By The Week Staff Published
-
'In short, the good economic news is real'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Putin's fixation with shamans
Under the Radar Secretive Russian leader, said to be fascinated with occult and pagan rituals, allegedly asked for blessing over nuclear weapons
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
A brief history of third parties in the US
In Depth Though none of America's third parties have won a presidential election, they have nonetheless had a large impact on the country's politics
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
Chimpanzees are dying of human diseases
Under the radar Great apes are vulnerable to human pathogens thanks to genetic similarity, increased contact and no immunity
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Deaths of Jesse Baird and Luke Davies hang over Sydney's Mardi Gras
The Explainer Police officer, the former partner of TV presenter victim, charged with two counts of murder after turning himself in
By Austin Chen, The Week UK Published
-
Quiz of The Week: 24 February - 1 March
Puzzles and Quizzes Have you been paying attention to The Week's news?
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Will mounting discontent affect Iran election?
Today's Big Question Low turnout is expected in poll seen as crucial test for Tehran's leadership
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Sweden clears final NATO hurdle with Hungary vote
Speed Read Hungary's parliament overwhelmingly approved Sweden's accession to NATO
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Modern royal scandals from around the world
The Explainer From Spain to the UAE, royal families have often been besieged by negative events
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published