Deepfakes & AI fraud — the new digital battlefield for retailers
We explore why retailers are particularly affected by deepfakes and the implications around data protection, IP, advertising compliance and more.
Brabners’ litigation team features in new Disney+ Wagatha Christie docuseries
2 min read
Sport, Litigation & Disputes, Company News, Reputation Management & Defamation, Brabners Personal
Our lawyers feature in the three-part Disney+ documentary Coleen Rooney: The Real Wagatha Story, available to stream now.
Members of Coleen Rooney’s legal team — led by our Head of Litigation, Paul Lunt — are interviewed extensively in episode three of the new series, which gives an inside look into one of the most significant and contentious libel cases in recent history.
Set in our new Grade A Manchester office in Barbirolli Square, the interviews provide further detail regarding the defence strategy behind the two-year libel case. The team successfully defended Mrs Rooney after she was taken to court by Rebekah Vardy, having claimed that Vardy and her PR agent had been habitually leaking private information about the Rooney family to The Sun newspaper.
The high-profile trial — which assumed the popular #WagathaChristie moniker — ended in May 2022, with the judge ruling in Rooney’s favour. Vardy was subsequently ordered to pay up to £1.5m in legal fees.
Brabners’ original podcast series Rooney v Vardy: The Breakdown is also available to stream on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, having won the Outstanding Marketing Innovation Award at last year’s Legal Innovation Awards.
Paul Lunt said: “Of all the high-profile cases we have handled as a team, Coleen’s was easily one of the most challenging — not only as we were appointed part-way into the process but also in the unparalleled levels of media attention and coverage it generated. By the time the case got to trial, that coverage had become an important factor in the strategy we developed to secure victory both in the High Court and the court of public opinion.
It has been an incredibly rewarding experience to revisit the case for Disney, and I’m pleased that we could provide some fresh insight into what really went on behind the scenes and how the case developed into the national news story we know today.”
Our success in the Wagatha Christie case represented the latest in a series of positive and high-profile instructions for our litigation team, which successfully defended England cricket captain Ben Stokes against charges of affray, as well as spearheading his successful privacy claim against The Sun newspaper.
Coleen Rooney: The Real Wagatha Story premiered on Disney+ on Wednesday 18 October 2023.
If you’re looking for more behind-the-scenes access to the trial, look no further than our award-winning podcast series ‘Rooney v Vardy: The Breakdown’, available now on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Related insights
Brabners secures B Corp recertification
We've retained our B Corp certification, resulting in a notable improvement on our assessment framework score.
Mediation & other forms of ADR — practical guidance for resolving disputes outside of court
We discuss what mediation and other forms of ADR are, their benefits, when they’re most effective and how courts view parties who refuse to engage in them.
How retailers can protect their business from false or misleading claims — key legal & practical considerations
We outline the steps that retailers can take to contain an emerging online issue and the legal remedies available for responding to false statements.
PREM Rugby’s £34m black hole — is financial sustainability in sight?
A year on from our last review, we to take a fresh look at the state of rugby’s finances to see what progress has been made and which challenges remain.
Can you get divorced in England & Wales if you married abroad? Key legal considerations explained
We outline how an overseas marriage is treated under English and Welsh law for anyone considering divorce.
From rising star to retirement — a footballer’s guide to wealth, family & future planning
We break down the key stages of a footballer’s career and outline how the right guidance safeguards their wealth and long‑term future.
Major study highlights a critical concussion “tipping point” in women’s football
We explore the key findings from the study and outline what they mean for clubs, governing bodies and others responsible for player welfare.
How athletes are protecting their brand identity against commercial & AI‑driven misuse
We explore how athletes like Cole Palmer and Luke Littler are using trade marks and outline the legal standards that they must meet.
7 crisis management steps every retailer should have in place to respond efficiently & protect your brand
We set out seven practical steps to help retailers to prepare, respond decisively and recover quickly when the unexpected happens.
AI in elite sport — key legal considerations around ‘performance enhancing technology’
AI is enhancing performance and even scouting future talent in elite sport. Sports technology and data are key to success, but come with legal risks.
6 ways trusts can strengthen & future‑proof your estate planning
We outline six key reasons why trusts play such a central role in building a resilient and effective estate plan.
Athlete expression & Rule 50 — how the IOC applied its guidelines at Milano Cortina 2026
We explore how athlete expression, public scrutiny and the IOC’s rulebook collided on one of the world’s biggest sporting stages.
3 essential estate planning steps to protect your digital assets
We outline the practical measures that you can take to make sure that your digital footprint is protected and managed in line with your wishes.
Am I a data controller? GDPR for social media users explained
We look at the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018 and outline how the GDPR can apply to both organisations and individuals as data controllers.
International arbitration — the scope of supervisory jurisdiction & anti-suit injunctions following Star Hydro
We outline the Court of Appeal’s decision, consider how the Supreme Court is likely to approach the appeal and highlight five key takeaways.
Government to consult on unlicensed gambling operators sponsoring British sports
We explore the consultation background, the regulatory concerns driving it and what it could mean for clubs with existing or future sponsorship deals.
How the CJC’s litigation funding reforms aim to restore certainty after PACCAR
We examine the CJC’s recommendations and their implications for funders, claimants and practitioners navigating this evolving area.
3 potential ways generative AI could lead to defamation claims
We explain where generative AI has the potential to damage individuals’ reputations and examine relevant case law from other jurisdictions.
Deepfakes & AI-powered cybercrime in sport — how can athletes & clubs protect themselves?
We discuss the mounting dangers of AI-powered cybercrime across the world of sport with David Andrew — the Founder and Managing Partner of Tiaki.
Settlement agreement FAQs
Find answers to our most frequently asked questions about settlement agreements and executive severance from our specialist employment lawyers.
Milano Cortina 2026 — key changes, challenges & what they mean for winter sport
We explore how structural, environmental and organisational shifts are shaping the 2026 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Making Places Work — new study reveals the most improved places in the North of England
Our award-winning regeneration team has launched a new report that uncovers how life and work across the North of England has changed since the millennium.
McLaren v Palou — 5 legal lessons for drafting & managing sports contracts
We examine the consequences of Palou’s defection and the wider lessons for businesses negotiating contracts with athletes or other high‑value individuals.
Brabners delivers fourth consecutive year of dealmaking growth
We’ve delivered another strong year of dealmaking, achieving 16% growth and advising on more than £900m in transactions.