The never-ending battle between Coleen Rooney and Rebekah Vardy has reignited, bringing fresh courtroom drama involving luxury hotels, mini-bar bills, and legal fees spiraling out of control. Five years after the explosive social media post that launched this high-profile libel war, Wagatha Christie is back in the spotlight—and it’s messier than ever.
In 2022, the world watched as Rooney accused Vardy of leaking private stories to the press, a claim that gripped headlines and courtroom spectators alike. After a tense legal showdown, Rooney came out on top, leaving Vardy with a jaw-dropping £1.8 million legal bill. But this week, Vardy returned to court in a desperate bid to lower the amount she owes, only to leave with another hefty sum added to her tab.
Legal Showdown Resurfaces
Vardy’s attempts to slash her bill didn’t go well. After a “close-run thing,” as media lawyer Jonathan Coad described it, the court sided once again with Rooney. The judge ruled that there was no misconduct by Rooney’s legal team and dismissed Vardy’s claims. As a result, Vardy is now on the hook for another £100,000—just the latest payment in what’s becoming a financial nightmare for her.
“She took a gamble, and it backfired,” Coad noted. “Now, she’s paying the price, literally.”
No Star Power This Time
Unlike the media circus that engulfed the original trial, neither Rooney nor Vardy attended this week’s hearing. Their absence might have toned down the spectacle, but it didn’t stop Britain’s tabloids from jumping on the drama, with headlines like “Wagatha Thrifty” capturing the surreal spectacle.
Luxury Hotel and Mini-Bar Scandal
The courtroom wasn’t without its juicy moments. One of the standout revelations involved a stay at the high-end Nobu Hotel in London. Vardy’s lawyer claimed that Rooney’s legal team racked up unnecessary charges, including an eye-popping mini-bar tab. But Rooney’s camp fought back hard, calling these accusations “factually inaccurate.”
What’s the real story? According to Rooney’s lawyer, the bill for the mini-bar came to a modest £7 for two bottles of water—not exactly the extravagant spending spree Vardy’s team had painted. And as for the stay at Nobu? The lawyer had originally booked a cheaper hotel but had to switch after discovering there was no Wi-Fi or even a functioning shower. The switch to Nobu was made at a discounted rate, with the lawyer paying the same price as a room at the Premier Inn.
London Lawyers, Big Bills
Vardy’s team also argued that Rooney should have hired a law firm closer to home rather than using a London-based firm with sky-high fees. The judge, however, dismissed this argument, pointing out that given the high-profile nature of the case, it was entirely reasonable to enlist top-tier legal experts based in London.
The judge was less sympathetic when it came to the £500,000 Rooney spent on consultations with her barrister, but he acknowledged that Vardy’s own actions—like destroying evidence—added layers of complexity to the case, justifying the higher legal rates.
The Drama Continues
If you thought this was the end, think again. This week’s hearing only scratched the surface, with more courtroom battles set for next year. Every penny of that £1.8 million will be scrutinized line by line in what’s shaping up to be another legal saga.
As this bitter feud rumbles on, both sides seem destined to spend even more money on lawyers, extending the nightmare that neither can seem to escape. In a parting shot, the judge didn’t hold back, urging both parties to move on and “put it behind them.”
But for Rooney and Vardy, it looks like the drama is far from over. Buckle up for round three.
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