Geoffrey Rush suing The Daily Telegraph for defamation
Australian actor Geoffrey Rush has faced the media for the first time since allegations of "inappropriate behaviour" were made against him.
Rush stated that he had filed defamation proceedings against News Corp paper the Daily Telegraph on Friday.
"It is an action I am taking in order to address the slurs, innuendo and hyperbole that they have created around my standing in the entertainment industry, and in the greater community," he read out in a statement.
"The situation is intolerable and I must now seek vindication of my good name through the courts in Australia."
He accused the publication of making "false, pejorative and demeaning claims" which has made "irreparable damage" to his reputation.
The 66-year-old said the allegations had affected a range of people including his children, his wife and colleagues in the film, television and theatre industry.
Rush's lawyer Nicholas Pullen called the press conference for 3pm on Friday at the offices of HWL Ebsworth in Melbourne where he is a partner.
Pullen revealed Rush could not respond to any questions currently and the matter is now before the courts.
Rush has denied all allegations against him, which date back to a Sydney Theatre Performance of King Lear from 2015.
After becoming aware of the allegations, Rush immediately contacted the company for clarification and further details into the allegations, but according to ator the STC refused to comment on the matter.
In a statement, The Daily Telegraph's editor Chris Dore insisted the paper accurately reported that the Sydney Theatre Company received a complaint against Geoffrey Rush.
And that they plan to defend their position in court.
