Geoffrey Rush wins case against Sydney newspaper publisher

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Oscar-winning actor Geoffrey Rush won his defamation case on Thursday against a Sydney newspaper publisher and journalist over reports he had been accused of inappropriate behavior toward an actress.

The 67-year-old Australian had sued The Daily Telegraph's publisher and journalist Jonathon Moran over two stories and a poster published in late 2017.

Australian Federal Court Judge Michael Wigney ruled that Rush had been defamed. Wigney awarded an initial payment of 850,000 Australian dollars (610,000 U.S. dollars) in damages, but lawyers will return to court on May 10 when the judge determines damages for economic loss and costs.

Rush outside court thanked his family for their support. "There are no winners in this case. It's been extremely distressing for everyone involved," he told reporters.

A still of Geoffrey Rush in the film "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales." /VCG Photo

Wigney was scathing of the newspaper's reporting.

"This was, in all the circumstances, a recklessly irresponsible piece of sensationalist journalism of the very worst kind," the judge said. "It was difficult to avoid the conclusion that it was calculated to damage."

The reports alleged inappropriate behavior by Rush while he was starring in the Sydney Theatre Company's production of "King Lear" in 2015 and 2016.

His three-week trial before the judge ended in November.

Rush won the best actor Oscar in 1996 for his portrayal of pianist David Helfgott in "Shine" and was nominated for roles in "Shakespeare In Love," "Quills" and "The King's Speech." He is also famed for his portrayal of Captain Barbossa in the "Pirates of the Caribbean" films.

(Cover: Actor Geoffrey Rush attends the premiere of "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales" at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California, May 18, 2017. /VCG Photo)

Source(s): AP