Geoffrey Rush sues Australian paper for 'inappropriate behaviour' claim

Academy Award winner Geoffrey Rush is taking legal action against an Australian newspaper over a story that claimed he engaged in 'inappropriate behaviour' at a Sydney theatre.

The Sydney Daily Telegraph had run a front-page story in Novemeber saying an Australian theater company had received a complaint about his improper behaviour following the production of 'King Lear' two years ago in which Rush was the star.

On Friday, the 66-year-old accused the newspaper of splashing "spurious claims with bombastic titles on their front pages," reports The Gaurdian.

At a press conference in Melbourne, Rush said, "Today I filed defamation proceedings in the federal court of Australia against the Daily Telegraph."

"This is to address the hyperbole, lies and the spurious claims about me in entertainment community. They have splashed spurious claims with bombastic titles on their front pages."

"This has created irreparable damage to my reputation, which has been extremely hurtful to my wife, daughter and my son, as well as to my extended family and 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."

Last week, Rush voluntarily stepped down as president of the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television (AACTA) until the matter is resolved.