The newspaper article last month said an
Australian theater company had received a complaint about
"inappropriate behavior" following the production of King Lear
two years ago in which Rush was the star.
Rush has denied any wrongdoing and said he was never told of the
complaint at the time. Details of the complaint have not been
made public.
"They have splashed spurious claims with bombastic titles on
their front pages," the Oscar-winning actor said in a brief
press conference in Melbourne.
"This has created irreparable damage to my reputation," he
added. "This situation is intolerable and I must now seek
vindication of my good name through the courts in Australia."
The Daily Telepgrah Editor Chris Dore said in a statement to
Reuters that Rupert Murdoch's News Corp-run newspaper will
defend itself.
"The Daily Telegraph accurately reported the Sydney Theatre
Company received a complaint alleging that Mr Geoffrey Rush had
engaged in inappropriate behavior. We will defend our position
in court," Dore said.
Rush's lawsuit said he was seeking damages and a restraint on
further publication on the matter.
Last week, Rush voluntarily stepped down as president of the
Australian Academy of Cinema and Television until the matter is
resolved.
Australian show business identities have come to his defense,
including fellow Australian actor Rachel Griffiths.
Rush's film credits include "Shine", "The King’s Speech" and
"Pirates of the Caribbean".
(Reporting by Swati Pandey; Editing by Michael Perry)
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