Geoffrey Rush ‘virtually housebound and barely eating’ after harassment claims

Actor Geoffrey Rush has suffered “tremendous emotional and social hardship” since an Australian newspaper alleged he behaved inappropriately towards a colleague, a court has been told.

The 66-year-old, who vehemently denies the claim, is suing News Corp subsidiary Nationwide News, which publishes Sydney tabloid The Daily Telegraph, and journalist Jonathon Moran for defamation.

The Telegraph alleged last year that Rush had been accused of “inappropriate behaviour” during a Sydney Theatre Company production of King Lear in 2015.

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According to an affidavit filed today by the Australian actor’s lawyer, the reports have left Rush virtually housebound, barely eating and taking medication for anxiety.

It is also claimed that the Oscar winner believes his career has been “irreparably damaged” by the allegations.

“The applicant has found that as a direct result of the publications he has been constantly associated in Australia and internationally with the #MeToo movement,” according to the affidavit.

The Telegraph has defended its reports and is attempting to file a cross-claim against the theatre company, reports The Sydney Morning Herald.

Lawyers for Nationwide News and Moran say that the company “sent out statements about Rush that were clearly intended for publication” and that no inaccuracies in the story were pointed out when it was read to a publicist over the phone, the Herald adds.

The defamation case is expected to go to trial in December.