Becky Vardy, wife of the English footballer Jamie Vardy, has won her first legal battle against fellow WAG Coleen Rooney in the ongoing “Wagatha Christie” row. The two wives of Premier League footballers have been embroiled in a public feud since October last year, when Rooney accused Vardy of leaking information to the press through her Instagram account. The dispute has now taken a legal turn, with Vardy suing Rooney for defamation of character, and has taken a surprise turn with Vardy coming out victorious in the initial stages of the legal proceedings. In this article, we will explore the background behind this high-profile feud and the intriguing legal developments that have taken place so far.
Rebekah Vardy, the wife of Leicester City footballer Jamie Vardy, has successfully trademarked the phrase “Wagatha Christie” in the UK. The phrase was coined in October 2019 in the midst of a highly publicised feud with fellow footballer’s wife, Coleen Rooney. Rooney accused Vardy of selling fake stories and evidence was presented that made it impossible for anyone but Vardy to have leaked the stories. The phrase “Wagatha Christie” was then used on social media to refer to the investigation that Rooney had conducted to discover the identity of the mole. Since then, the phrase has taken on a life of its own, with the feud inspiring a West End musical, a Channel 4 drama, a BBC documentary, and a forthcoming documentary from Disney+.
The trademark, which Vardy applied for through a friend’s company, London Entertainment Inc Ltd, allows her to control the commercial use of the phrase, covering everything from broadcasting and clothing to cosmetics and drinks. Any individual or company wishing to use the phrase commercially will be required to get Vardy’s permission before doing so, and if that permission is granted, they must pay her a fee for the right to use the phrase. Some believe that this legal manoeuvre is Vardy’s way of ‘taking back control’ following the legal defeat she suffered at the hands of Coleen Rooney in her UK High Court libel case last year.
Previously, Vardy was ordered by the court to pay 90% of Coleen Rooney’s legal fees, which could be up to £1.5million. This could be seen as a significant victory for Vardy, as it may allow her to recoup some of the costs she has incurred amid the legal fallout. However, the trademarking of a phrase is a legally complex issue, with some grey areas yet to be fully explored. It remains to be seen how this landmark decision will play out in practice.
The decision to apply for a trademark underscores Vardy’s growing business acumen. In addition to her television work, Vardy has created her own clothing line and has utilised her social media presence to generate income by promoting various products. In recent years, her personal brand has become increasingly profitable and trademarking a phrase associated with herself is a shrewd move for the businesswoman.
In interviews following the libel case, Vardy has shared the impact the public feud has had on her family and her business. She has continually asserted her innocence, denying that she sold the fake stories and maintaining that the negative publicity has been harmful to her livelihood.
The move to trademark the phrase is a recognition of the fact that the phrase has taken on a life of its own, with individuals using it on social media, merchandise and more. The trademark will allow Vardy to control the use of the phrase, as well as to profit from it. Some have speculated that this move could be the first in a series of strategic acquisitions that Vardy undertakes in order to reclaim her reputation and her brand.
Overall, the saga of “Wagatha Christie” has been one of the most high-profile celebrity spats in recent memory. It has been covered extensively by the media and has sparked numerous debates about both the legal and ethical implications of social media feuds. With her latest legal victory, Rebekah Vardy has not only secured her own brand, but may have also set a new precedent for how individuals and companies can protect their intellectual property on social media.
However, it is important to note that the use of a legal tactic to secure a phrase related to a feud that has already been concluded may appear opportunistic. Whether it will prove to be successful in practice remains to be seen, but at the very least, it demonstrates Vardy’s determination to regain control of the public narrative surrounding her.
As the ‘Wagatha Christie’ saga continues to captivate the public, Becky Vardy’s surprise legal win is a testament to the power of standing up for oneself. With her reputation on the line, Vardy refused to back down and fought for the truth to be revealed. While the feud between Vardy and Coleen Rooney may still rage on, this victory serves as a reminder that justice can prevail, even in the court of public opinion. As we eagerly await the next chapter in this dramatic saga, one thing is certain: Becky Vardy is not one to be underestimated.
