Rebel Wilson awarded $4.5M after winning defamation case

Australian-born Hollywood actress Rebel Wilson has been awarded $4.57 million after winning her defamation case against Bauer Media.

The 37-year-old comedian originally sought $7 million after successfully suing the Woman’s Day publisher in June.

At the time, Wilson vowed to donate the money to charity and the Australian film industry.

“Any dollars I receive will go to charity, scholarships or invested into the Aussie film industry to provide jobs,” she tweeted.

“I take being a role model very seriously.”

In the Victorian Supreme Court on Wednesday, the judge awarded Wilson $650,000 in general damages and $3.97 million in special damages – the biggest defamation payout ever awarded in Australia.

Wilson was not present when the decision was handed down.

Bauer Media has since released a statement, saying they’re “considering today’s judgement”.

“Bauer Media has a long history of delivering great stories to our readers and we have a reputation for developing some of the best editorial teams in this country,” General Counsel Adrian Goss said.

“This is what we are focused on”.

Rebel Wilson has been awarded $4.5 million in her defamation lawsuit against Bauer Media. @JaydeVincent #9News pic.twitter.com/RSp4rVERFj

— Nine News Melbourne (@9NewsMelb) September 13, 2017