Grant Denyer and wife Chezzi reach settlement with New Idea over ‘affair’ story

Grant Denyer and his wife Chezzi have reached a settlement with New Idea after the magazine implied he was having an affair with his TV dance partner.

TV host Grant Denyer and his wife Chezzi have reached a private settlement in their case against Are Media, formerly known as Bauer Media, over a cover story published in New Idea in October.

Confidential understands that the couple recently enlisted the help of high-powered Sydney law firm Corrs Chambers Westgarth after the magazine published photos of Denyer, 44, with his Dancing with the Stars dance partner, Lily Cornish, 22, and falsely implied they were having an affair.

Grant Denyer with wife Chezzi have reached a private settlement in their case against New Idea. Pictured with their daughters Sailor and Scout.

New Idea has retracted its story on Grant Denyer after implying he was having an affair with his dance partner Lily Cornish.

In a statement, a rep for the couple, who have been married for over a decade and share three children, confirmed that a public apology was issued by New Idea on Monday as part of the terms of their settlement.

“While we can’t disclose details, I want you to know that we employed Richard Leder and Georgie Austin from Corrs Chambers Westgarth and Renee Enbom QC, with every intent of suing but have since reached a suitable confidential settlement outside of court which includes, most importantly, a public apology and admission that the story and headline were false,” a spokeswoman said.

Denyer and Cornish were dance partners on Channel 7’s Dancing with the Stars: All Stars.

New Idea previously ran photos of the father-of-three with his hand on Cornish’s thigh alongside the headline, “Grant Denyer Caught Out!” along with a photo of Chezzi, 41, looking distressed and the caption, “Chezzi’s heartbreak”.

Cornish is in a relationship with Jock White.

They have since restricted the story and issued a grovelling apology.

“On October 18, 2021, Are Media and New Idea published an article that conveyed Grant Denyer was having an extramarital affair with his Dancing with the Stars: All Stars dance partner, Lily Cornish, and his wife, Chezzi, was heartbroken as a result,” New Idea wrote.

“The article was false. Are Media and New Idea acknowledge that Grant Denyer and Lily Cornish are not having an extra-marital affair. They have never had an affair.

“Are Media and New Idea regret publishing the article. Are Media and New Idea wish to sincerely apologise to Grant Denyer, Chezzi Denyer and Lily Cornish for the hurt and embarrassment caused by the article.”

Cornish is in a long-term relationship with boyfriend Jock White.