Israel Folau, Rugby Australia reach settlement in anti-gay social media sacking row
- The former rugby star has settled for an undisclosed amount over the termination of his contract following a social media post that said ‘hell awaits’ gay people
- Folau says he did not mean to cause the sport any harm, and the governing body apologies to his family
Rugby Australia and Israel Folau reached a settlement on Wednesday that will end the former Wallaby’s multimillion dollar lawsuit over his sacking for anti-gay comments.
Rugby Australia apologised for “any hurt or harm” caused to Folau as part of a joint statement confirming the confidential agreement after two days of mediation aimed at avoiding a drawn-out and expensive court case.
Folau, an ardent Christian, was fired in May over a social media post warning “hell awaits” gay people and others he considers sinners.
“Rugby Australia and Mr Folau wish each other well for the future. The parties do not intend to comment further on the terms of their settlement as it is confidential,” the statement said.
The 30-year-old former Wallabies full-back was set to demand A$14 million (US$9.5 million) in compensation, claiming he was unlawfully dismissed under legislation that bans sacking a person because of their religion.
Folau had claimed his religious freedom was at stake, winning backing from prominent conservatives and the Australian Christian Lobby, which raised more than A$2 million in just two days to help pay his legal fees.
