Rebel Wilson ordered to pay back $4M of magazine pay out

In what is a massive change of events, Australian actress Rebel Wilson has been forced to pay back a hefty sum of money to Bauer Media, after she originally sued the publisher for defamation.

Last year the famous blonde took home a whopping $4.5m in damages from popular magazine Woman’s Day, which claimed she had lied about her age and family history.

But that has all come crashing down with The Herald Sun reporting Wilson was on Wednesday ordered by the Victoria’s Court of Appeal to reimburse the media company a total of $4m, plus $60,000 in interest to cover legal costs in the trial.

This is the second stab in the back for Wilson whose general damages amount was reduced to a total of $600,000 earlier this month following an immediate appeal by Bauer after the initial payout was granted.

While her case was initially a success, as she claimed the articles destroyed her reputation, this new announcement is sure to cause a stir for the actress who took to Twitter with angry tweets on June 15 targeting the court’s decision.

“I was hoping the Court of Appeal in Australia would deliver a reasonable judgement today…ummmm seeing as that HAS CLEARLY NOT happened I look forward to appealing! There’s some really bizarre things in there guys that are so obviously challengeable!” one post read.

https://twitter.com/RebelWilson/status/1007321564927406080

Read more: Rebel Wilson wins huge payout from Woman’s Day over ‘liar’ stories

The actress continued her rant, saying how the money now cannot go to a charity to help those less fortunate as she initially planned.

“Was it wrong of me to pledge that the money received from the case was going to good causes?? To me, after working tirelessly day and night to rebuild my career, I thought it was the right things to do,” she tweeted.

https://twitter.com/RebelWilson/status/1007323309514657793

“That’s now $4m less going to less fortunate Australians and leaves a billionaire corporation, proven guilty of malicious defamation, being able to get away with their seriously harmful acts for a very low pay day! Clearly not fair. Come on Australia,” another read.

https://twitter.com/RebelWilson/status/1007325906363445248

The actress is yet to comment on the latest court proceedings.

It’s not the first time Women’s Day has been accused of fabricating stories to sell magazines. Last year actor Russell Crowe slammed the mag after it printed a story claiming he was dating 22-year-old Love Child actor Sophia Forrest. He’s also rubbished claims he was planning to marry Terri Irwin. 

So far this year, the magazine has claimed that Delta Goodrem is dating One Direction star Harry Styles, that Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt have secretly reunited, and that Meghan Markle is pregnant with twins. 

Have you been following the case? What are your thoughts? Do you think it is fair the Aussie actress has to pay back the money?