'Bald faced lies' by a newspaper accusing 'national treasure' and Oscar-winning actor Geoffrey Rush of behaving inappropriately towards a female co-star 'smashed and destroyed his reputation'

  • Geoffrey Rush is suing the publisher of Sydney's Daily Telegraph for defamation
  • The newspaper alleged Rush behaved inappropriately towards a fellow actor
  • The allegations involve Eryn Jean Norvill during a major production of King Lear  
  • Rush allegedly made lewd gestures, simulated fondling and groping her breasts 
  • His barrister says the articles 'smashed and destroyed' Rush's stellar reputation 

By Australian Associated Press

Published: 23:22 EDT, 21 October 2018 | Updated: 23:45 EDT, 21 October 2018

Geoffrey Rush was a 'national living treasure' who gave pleasure to millions and had no scandal to his name before a Sydney newspaper published articles that destroyed the actor's reputation, a judge has been told.

The Oscar-winning actor is suing the Daily Telegraph's publisher Nationwide News and journalist Jonathon Moran for defamation after they published articles about an allegation he behaved inappropriately towards a female co-star.

Rush sat with his wife Jane Menelaus in Sydney's Federal Court on Monday as his barrister, Bruce McClintock SC, gave his opening address to Justice Michael Wigney at the start of the defamation trial.

Geoffrey Rush (centre, with wife Jane Menelaus) was a 'national living treasure' who had no scandal to his name before a Sydney newspaper published articles that destroyed the actor's reputation, his barrister Bruce McClintock SC (left) told a Supreme Court judge on Monday  

Geoffrey Rush (centre, with wife Jane Menelaus) was a 'national living treasure' who had no scandal to his name before a Sydney newspaper published articles that destroyed the actor's reputation, his barrister Bruce McClintock SC (left) told a Supreme Court judge on Monday  

Mr McClintock said that as of November 29, 2017, his now 67-year-old client had had an 'extraordinary career' to the point where he could be described as one of Australia's most famous actors.

'As well as giving pleasure to millions, his reputation was stellar, it could not have been higher. No scandal attached to his name,' Mr McClintock said.

'On the 30th of November, Your Honour, that was all changed because a gossip columnist in the Telegraph decided to write an article about my client.'

Mr McClintock said the cumulative effect of the two Telegraph articles and a poster was to 'smash and destroy my client's reputation'.

He accused Moran of including 'straight-out, bald-faced' lies in his reporting - something defence barrister Tom Blackburn SC later said was nothing more than a submission.

'It's not based on any evidence because no evidence has been heard,' Mr Blackburn said.

According to a defence document, Geoffrey Rush allegedly made lewd gestures in the direction of Eryn Jean Norvill (both pictured), simulated fondling and groping her breasts

According to a defence document, Geoffrey Rush allegedly made lewd gestures in the direction of Eryn Jean Norvill (both pictured), simulated fondling and groping her breasts

Barrister Bruce McClintock said director Neil Armfield and actors Robyn Nevin and Helen Buday were also expected to give evidence on behalf of Geoffrey Rush (pictured in King Lear)

Barrister Bruce McClintock said director Neil Armfield and actors Robyn Nevin and Helen Buday were also expected to give evidence on behalf of Geoffrey Rush (pictured in King Lear)

Geoffrey Rush, pictured with Nicole Kidman, had a stellar reputation before the publication of two Daily Telegraph articles, a court heard on Monday
Geoffrey Rush, pictured with Cate Blanchett, had a stellar reputation before the publication of two Daily Telegraph articles, a court heard on Monday

Geoffrey Rush, pictured with Nicole Kidman (left) and Cate Blanchett (right), had a stellar reputation before the publication of two Daily Telegraph articles, a court heard on Monday

The Telegraph's 2017 articles referred to an allegation Rush behaved inappropriately towards a fellow actor - later revealed to be Eryn Jean Norvill - during a Sydney Theatre Company production of King Lear in 2015 and 2016.

According to a defence document, Rush allegedly made lewd gestures in her direction, simulated fondling and groping her breasts and regularly made comments or jokes about her involving sexual innuendo.

He is accused of touching Norvill's lower back under her shirt when they were backstage and tracing his hand down her torso and across the side of her breast during a scene in which he was carrying her.

Mr McClintock said Rush denied the accusations against him and would testify he did none of the alleged acts.

He said director Neil Armfield and actors Robyn Nevin and Helen Buday were also expected to give evidence that they didn't witness the alleged behaviour.

The judge-alone trial continues.

Barrister Bruce Mr McClintock (left) said Rush (centre) denied the accusations against him. His wife Jane Menelaus (right) sat beside him in the NSW Supreme Court on Monday morning  

Barrister Bruce Mr McClintock (left) said Rush (centre) denied the accusations against him. His wife Jane Menelaus (right) sat beside him in the NSW Supreme Court on Monday morning  

 

Advertisement

Geoffrey Rush 'smashed and destroyed' by inappropriate behaviour claim

Most watched News videos

Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.