Geoffrey Rush denies theatre allegations

A leading Australian theatre company said Friday it had received a complaint of “inappropriate behaviour” against Geoffrey Rush, an allegation that lawyers for the Oscar winner denied. The Sydney Theatre Company was not disclosing details of the allegations, which reports said dated from Rush’s starring role in the theatre’s staging of King Lear two years ago. “At the time the complaint was made, the complainant requested that the matter be dealt with confidentially, and did not want Mr. Rush notified or involved in any investigation,” a statement said. The theatre company said it complied “in the interest of the complainant’s health and welfare.” HWL Ebsworth Lawyers did not respond to a request for comment Friday, but had issued an earlier statement denying Rush was involved in any inappropriate behaviour.