Becky Vardy reveals anguish over claims Coleen Rooney will use ‘abusive’ ex in Wagatha Christie legal row
BECKY Vardy has dramatically revealed her anguish over claims Coleen Rooney will use her "abusive" ex in their ongoing Wagatha Christie row.
In a blistering attack, she told how the explosive legal battle with her former friend had suddenly taken "a dark turn" in recent weeks.
She blasted reports Coleen, 35, is lining her ex-husband up as a witness - slamming it as a deliberate attempt to "destroy" her.
And after months of silence she warned: "I feel the time has come where I may need to start speaking out a little more."
In a devastating blog post mum-of-five Becky, 39, lashed out at claims that businessman, Steve Clarke, 56, is set to join Team Coleen.
Becky has previously accused him of domestic violence during their doomed 10-month marriage in 2005 - claims he categorically denies.
She said victims were often put off coming forward amid fears they will one day have to face their abuser in court.
The Wag wrote: "It feels like a cruel threat to destroy the me that has survived.
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"I have already been quite open about how mentally vulnerable the abuse I suffered has made me.
"This legal case has always been about clearing my name.
"It’s really important that women feel enabled to speak out about their experiences and not be shamed over them or have them used as a weapon against them.
"Speaking out provides support to the thousands of women who are trying to find the strength to break the cycles and leave their relationships.
"When it is used against you, whether in the media or by some other means, it hurts deeply and is frightening.
"I have support and I am strong as I can be, but I am disappointed that I’m being forced to face such headlines (whether they’re true or false)."
Mr Clarke has been rumoured to be among the witnesses who have given statements to support Coleen's case.
He has remained tight-lipped about his evidence.
But claims he could feature at the High Court next April when the Wagatha Christie libel trial will be heard have left Becky, now married to Leicester City striker, Jamie, 34, devastated.
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'EXTREME SHAKING'
Her latest blog post, titled Trigger Warning - Domestic Violence and Coercive Control, said the reports left her physically "shaking".
She began by saying: "I don’t usually comment on anything to do with my legal case but over the last few weeks it has taken a rather dark turn.
"Reluctantly, I feel the time has come where I may need to start speaking out a little more.
"Recently, I was at home getting the children ready for bed when someone sent me a link to a story online.
"I hadn’t even read it, I just saw the photo at the top of the story and felt my skin start to prickle as the familiar feeling of adrenaline kicking in started to flow through my body.
"I felt myself going into that instant fight or flight mode that I know many victims of domestic abuse and coercive control will understand.
"This was later followed by extreme shaking, absolute tremors that are almost impossible to control until you somehow manage to calm yourself down."
She told how she used Cognitive Behavioural Therapy techniques she had previously learnt after reading the headline.
WAGATHA ROW
Becky went on: "Then I took a deep breath and went on to read a report claiming that my ex husband from 16 years ago was being bought in by the ‘other side’ as a witness in our legal case.
"I have previously spoken out about the nature of our historic relationship.
"One of the many reasons why women do not come forward is a fear that they will not be believed, will face repercussions or that if they make a report they will have to face their abusers in court.
"Memories of domestic abuse stalk you through your entire life.
"Sometimes the effects can stalk generations.
"It’s a cycle that has to be broken and it is hard work.
"Whatever the issues of this case are, the sensationalised reporting of how painfully entertaining it will be to watch me face the man I married in my early 20s in court…is totally inappropriate."
She offered her support to other victims of domestic abuse and told them: "My DMs are always open."
Becky signed off by posting links to domestic abuse charity Women's Aid and the National Domestic Abuse Helpline.
Businessman Mr Clarke said: "Becky is saying things that are completely and utterly untrue.
"I have never ever laid a hand on that woman ever. I have never laid a hand on a woman ever and never would I.
"I'm finding this very upsetting. It's very hurtful and it's causing me real problems."
It comes after new court documents revealed Coleen, wife of Manchester United and England legend Wayne, 35, carried out a "dummy run" before she launched her mole-hunt.
In her now infamous Wagatha post in October 2019 she told her millions of followers: "It's … Rebekah Vardy's account."
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Their libel battle is expected to kick-off next April.
If you are affected by any of the issues in this article, call the freephone 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247 or visit Women’s Aid
