Magazine publisher Bauer Media has been ordered to pay Australian actor Rebel Wilson more than $4.5 million dollars in damages over magazine articles that accused her of being a liar.
The decision was handed down in Melbourne this morning by Supreme Court judge Justice John Dixon, who said Wilson’s defamation was “unprecedented” and warranted substantial damages.
The amount includes $650,000 in general damages and $3,917,472 in special damages for screen roles she lost because of the articles.
Wilson sued German-owned Bauer Media for $7 million over a series of articles published in Woman’s Day, Australian Women’s Weekly, New Weekly and OK! that accused her of being a serial liar about her age, real name and childhood.
Bauer has issued a brief statement saying it's considering the judgement. The company has not ruled out an appeal.
“Bauer Media has a long history of delivering great stories to our readers and we have a reputation for developing some of the best editorial teams in this country. This is what we are focused on," said Adrian Goss, Bauer Media general counsel. “It is about continuing to do what we do best and that is delivering great content to more than 85% of Australian women across the country via our iconic portfolio.”
Wilson, who's in London, has said she will donate any money awarded to her to charity.