Geoffrey Rush has launched defamation proceedings against The Daily Telegraph after the News Corp masthead published a story about 'inappropriate behaviour' allegations made against him.
Rush, who is best known for The King's Speech and the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, fronted media on Friday afternoon with his lawyer to make the announcement.
"Today I have filed defamation proceedings against The Daily Telegraph in the Federal Court of Australia," the Academy Award winner said.
"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.
"The Daily Telegraph have made false pejorative and demeaning claims splattering them with unrelenting bombast on its front pages.
"This has created irreparable damage to my reputation, has been extremely hurtful to my wife, my daughter and my son, and to my extended family as well as to many colleagues in the film, television and theatre industries.
"This situation is intolerable and I must now seek vindication of my good name through the courts in Australia. I thank you for your kind attention."
Mr Rush's lawyer said his client wanted to have this matter heard as quickly as possible and the actor would be seeking damages.
The Daily Telegraph's editor Chris Dore said they would defend themselves in court over the matter.
"The Daily Telegraph accurately reported the Sydney Theatre Company received a complaint alleging that Mr Geoffrey Rush had engaged in inappropriate behaviour," he told SBS News in an emailed statement.
"We will defend our position in court."
