Coleen Rooney went into the Jungle on Sunday and in last night’s episode we saw her talking about the “Wagatha Christie” saga, despite saying she wanted to distance herself from it and that she would rather be known as “Coleen from Liverpool”.
For the ones who are not familiar with the story, this was one of the most bizarre and gripping celebrity disputes of recent years, became the talk of the town when it brought together elements of social media drama, footballer wives, and a courtroom showdown.
What started as a lighthearted nickname evolved into a multimillion-pound legal case, complete with accusations, denials, and revelations.
This article takes you through the scandal, breaking down the events and the subsequent legal battle.
What Is “Wagatha Christie”?
The term “Wagatha Christie” combines “WAG” (wives and girlfriends of footballers) and Agatha Christie, the famed mystery writer. The nickname originated from a clever piece of internet sleuthing by Coleen Rooney, the wife of former England football star Wayne Rooney. Coleen claimed to have caught someone leaking her private Instagram stories to The Sun newspaper. The culprit, she alleged, was none other than Rebekah Vardy, the wife of Jamie Vardy, another prominent footballer.
This whodunit played out in real time on social media, with Coleen’s revelation being shared worldwide and spawning countless memes, parodies, and headlines. However, what initially seemed like a petty celebrity feud escalated into a serious legal battle when Rebekah Vardy sued Coleen Rooney for libel.
So let’s dive into how it all unfolded.
The Origins of the Dispute
Coleen Rooney’s Investigation
In October 2019, Coleen Rooney made waves when she posted an explosive statement on Instagram, accusing Rebekah Vardy of leaking stories about her private life to the press. According to Coleen, she had grown suspicious when Instagram posts which she shared on her private Instagram account and personal details she had shared only with her close friends and family began appearing in The Sun.
To confirm her suspicions, Coleen devised a plan worthy of a detective novel. Over five months, she posted a series of fake stories to her private Instagram account but restricted their visibility to various people. She would add different people to her “Close friends” list and made those stories only visible to them. She would then cross people of the list until she found the culprit.
These fake stories, which included a tale about the Rooney family traveling to Mexico for “gender selection” treatment, subsequently appeared in The Sun.
Armed with evidence, Coleen posted her now-famous statement, ending with the dramatic reveal:
“It’s………. Rebekah Vardy’s account.”
Rebekah Vardy’s Denial
Rebekah Vardy immediately denied the accusations, claiming she had no involvement in leaking stories to the press. She said she did not personally control all activity on her Instagram account and suggested that someone else with access might have been responsible. Rebekah expressed dismay at being publicly accused and stated that the online abuse she received as a result had caused her significant distress.
The Legal Battle Begins
In June 2020, Rebekah Vardy escalated the feud by filing a libel lawsuit against Coleen Rooney.
Libel is a type of defamation, which relates to the publication of a statement in permanent form (e.g. writing), but also includes broadcast or stage productions.
The Claimant (ie. Rebekah Vardy) needs to show that the statement complained of:
- Is defamatory, meaning that an ordinary person would think worse of the Claimant as a result of the statement;
- Identifies or refers to them; and
- Is published to a third party.
Libel law in the UK places the burden of proof on the defendant, meaning Coleen had to prove that her allegations were true to defend herself in court.
The stage was set for a high-stakes legal drama that would dominate headlines for years.
The Libel Case: What Was at Stake?
The trial revolved around whether Coleen’s claim that Rebekah leaked stories to The Sun was defamatory or true. To win her case, Rebekah needed to prove that Coleen’s accusation had caused serious harm to her reputation. Meanwhile, Coleen’s defence rested on proving that her claim was accurate, meaning that Rebekah (or someone using her account) was responsible for the leaks.
Both women spent enormous sums on legal fees.
The trial however was not about money but also about clearing their names and restoring their reputations.
The High Court Trial
The libel trial, held in May 2022 at London’s High Court, was a media spectacle.
Both women appeared in Court, with their lawyers presenting detailed arguments and evidence. Key aspects of the trial included:
- The Role of Social Media Evidence
A significant portion of the trial focused on Instagram and the technicalities of who had access to Rebekah Vardy’s account.
Coleen’s team presented the fake stories and detailed how they were visible only to Rebekah’s account.
Rebekah’s team argued that she was not necessarily the one who viewed or leaked them, raising the possibility that other people with access to her account were responsible.
- The Infamous “Lost” WhatsApp Messages
One of the more dramatic moments in the trial involved missing WhatsApp messages between Rebekah Vardy and her agent, Caroline Watt. The messages could have been crucial in determining whether Rebekah instructed her agent to leak stories. However, these messages were mysteriously “lost” after Watt’s phone was accidentally dropped into the North Sea. The judge later described this as suspicious and “implausible.”
- The Public Nature of the Feud
The trial highlighted the intensely public nature of the feud, with both women’s reputations under scrutiny.
Coleen was portrayed as a strategic, calculated figure who had meticulously planned her sting operation, while Rebekah was cast as a figure desperate to clear her name but perhaps hindered by questionable circumstances surrounding evidence.
- Testimonies and Cross-Examinations
Both Coleen Rooney and Rebekah Vardy took the stand during the trial, providing riveting testimonies. Coleen was consistent in her assertion that she had carefully crafted her investigation to pinpoint the leaks. Her calm demeanour bolstered her credibility, as did the meticulous records of her fake stories.
Rebekah, however, faced tough cross-examination. The Court delved into her communications with Caroline Watt, particularly her suggestion that Watt had acted as her agent in leaking those stories. Rebekah denied giving explicit instructions to leak information but admitted she sometimes shared personal stories with Watt. Her credibility suffered under questioning, particularly due to the “lost” WhatsApp messages and the unusual circumstances surrounding their disappearance.
The Verdict: Coleen Rooney Prevails
In July 2022, after weeks of courtroom drama, the High Court ruled in Coleen Rooney’s favour.
Justice Steyn concluded that Coleen’s accusation was “substantially true” and that Rebekah Vardy was “party to the disclosure to The Sun.” The judgment was a resounding victory for Coleen and a crushing defeat for Rebekah.
The Court’s decision highlighted several key points:
- Rebekah’s Knowledge of the Leaks: The judge determined that it was “likely” Rebekah was aware of and condoned the leaks, even if she did not personally pass the information to the press.
- Credibility Issues: Justice Steyn criticized Rebekah’s testimony, finding it inconsistent and evasive. The “lost” messages, in particular, cast doubt on her explanations.
- Coleen’s Methodology: The Court found Coleen’s sting operation to be thorough and credible, lending weight to her defence.
Fallout and Reactions
Financial and Reputational Costs
The legal battle left both women facing significant financial and reputational consequences. Rebekah Vardy was ordered to pay Coleen Rooney’s legal fees, which amounted to nearly £2million. Her public image also suffered, with many perceiving her as untrustworthy following the trial.
Coleen, on the other hand, emerged vindicated, but not without a price. The lengthy legal proceedings and public scrutiny took a personal toll on her and her family. Wayne Rooney, who supported Coleen throughout the trial, described the ordeal as stressful and unwelcome.
The pair returned to Court as Rebekah accused Coleen’s lawyers of misconduct in how they accrued legal costs. She complained of a lawyer’s stay at a luxury hotel and a dinner costing £225.00.
The Judge however ruled that Coleen’s lawyers did not engage in misconduct and Rebekah’s behaviour during the trial contributed to the escalation of these fees.
Public Interest and Cultural Impact
The Wagatha Christie saga captivated the public not only because of the personalities involved but also because it offered a glimpse into the world of celebrity, social media, and tabloid culture. Memes, parody accounts, and even merchandise flooded social media during the trial, underscoring how deeply the saga had permeated popular culture.
Rebekah Vardy trademarked the phrase “Wagatha Christie” in August 2022 through the company London Entertainment Inc Ltd. This covers everything from broadcasting to beauty lotions, beverages, stationary, jewellery, fashion design. She attempted to also cover certain clothing and household items, however the application was opposed by Welspun UK Limited, which owns towel and bedding brand Chrsity.
Lessons from the Saga
- The Power of Social Media: The entire feud revolved around Instagram, showcasing how social media can shape narratives, expose secrets, and even lead to courtroom drama.
- The Risks of Public Accusations: Coleen Rooney’s public accusation set the stage for a high-stakes legal battle. While she ultimately won, the process was costly and exhausting for both parties.
- Transparency Matters: Rebekah Vardy’s credibility issues, particularly the suspicious loss of evidence, played a major role in the trial’s outcome. The case underscored the importance of transparency in legal disputes.
The Legacy of Wagatha Christie
The Wagatha Christie saga is unlikely to be forgotten anytime soon. It has inspired documentaries, plays, and endless discussions about celebrity culture. In a world where private lives are increasingly public and social media wields immense power, the story serves as both a cautionary tale and a cultural phenomenon.
For Coleen Rooney, the victory was more than just a legal triumph—it was a validation of her instincts and actions. For Rebekah Vardy, the case was a painful chapter that left her reputation in tatters. And for the public, it was a front-row seat to a drama that blended mystery, humour, and legal intrigue in a way only modern celebrity culture could provide.