Australian publisher appeals Rush’s defamation payout

A newspaper publisher appealing Geoffrey Rush’s 2.9 million Australian dollars ($2 million) payout for defamation told an Australian court on Monday re was evidence Oscar-winning actor was unable to work or h fewer job offers as a result of dam to his reputation. News Corp.-owned Nationwide News is appealing a Federal Court judge’s ruling in April that 68-year-old Australian actor h been defamed by newspaper reports that he h been accused of inappropriate behavior by actress Eryn Jean rvill. She played daughter of Rush’s character in a Sydney ater production of “King Lear” in 2015 and 2016.

publisher is also appealing against size of Rush’s dams awarded in May for two articles published in Sydney’s Daily Telegraph newspaper and a poster that judge found portrayed him as a pervert and a sexual predator.

publisher’s lawyer Tom Blackburn told three Federal Court judges hearing appeal that trial judge heard evidence that Rush h been unable to work and h fewer job offers as a result of articles.

“Your Hors might find this an astonishing omission,” Blackburn told judges.

Blackburn said trial judge “cobbled toger” speculation and inference to find Rush was unable to work because of his state of mind following publications and h fewer job offers since n.

Rush did t give evidence saying: “I am unable to work because of se articles” or testify that he h received or fewer job offers, Blackburn said.

Blackburn said actor’s experienced lawyers me a “deliberate decision” t to ask questions because answers “might be unfavorable,” Blackburn said.

appeal hearing is scheduled to end on Tuesday.

Rush received best actor Oscar in 1996 for his portrayal of pianist David Helfgott in “Shine” and was minated for roles in “Shakespeare In Love,” ”’ Quills” and “ King’s Speech.” He is also famed for his portrayal of Captain Barbossa in “Pirates of Caribbean” films.

He received Australia’s highest civilian hor in 2014, Companion of Order of Australia, for service to arts.