Rebel Wilson takes to Twitter to celebrate massive defamation payout
Aussie comedian and Hollywood star Rebel Wilson has taken to Twitter to celebrate her defamation lawsuit win against Bauer Media.
The Pitch Perfect star was awarded $4.5m in damages - the biggest defamation payout in Australian history - after a judge found Woman's Day magazine had "recklessly profited" from unsubstantiated lies.
"I look forward to getting back to my career and entertaining everyone," Wilson said in a series of tweets on Wednesday.
"Thank you again for the love and support! I am humbled."
Wilson also wrote: "Today was the end of a long and hard court battle against Bauer Media who viciously tried to take me down with a series of false articles.
"The judge accepted without qualification that I had an extremely high reputation and that the damage inflicted on me was substantial.
"I’m looking forward to helping out some great Australian charities and supporting the Oz film industry with the damages I’ve received."
The payout followed a three-week trial after Bauer Media published eight articles which branded the Pitch Perfect star a liar.
They claimed the comedian fabricated details about her upbringing, age, and connection to Walt Disney.
The lavish lies meant that Wilson missed out on two Hollywood movie roles.
Justice John Dixon said he had based his decision on three facts: Bauer's use of a paid source with "an axe to grind", their failure to investigate the allegations, and the publication of the claims when they knew they were false in order to "increase profits".
Rebel Wilson awarded $4.5 million in damages in defamation case
Rebel Wilson decided to sue Woman's Day after journalist's 'shakedown' over 'total scum' tweet
"The publications had a long-lasting and profound effect on Ms Wilson, both physically and psychologically, and caused her significant distress," the judge said.
Wilson said the lawsuit was never about the money - rather, it was about standing up to bullies.
Her win could now set a precedent for other tabloid magazines that target celebrities.
Bauer Media is considering whether it will appeal the decision.
