Actor Geoffrey Rush to be paid almost AU$3m after defamation win against Daily Telegraph

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Oscar-winning actor Geoffrey Rush has been awarded AU$2.9 million after winning a defamation case against Australian newspaper The Daily Telegraph.

The newspaper alleged he was involved in inappropriate behaviour towards Eryn Jean Norvill, a female co-star, during the 2015 to 2016 production of King Lear.

The Federal Court heard on Thursday the total amount Rush would be awarded was AU$2.87m - the highest defamation payout granted to a single individual in Australia, ABC reports.

It comes after the actor initially offered to settle with the newspaper for AU$50,000 and an apology.

It was ruled Rush would compensated AU$1.97m for lost economic opportunities on top of the AU$850,000 he had already been awarded. The remaining AU$42,000 was in interest.

Newshub.

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