Rebecca Klodinsky being sued for defamation

A swimwear entrepreneur’s ex-boyfriend is suing her for defamation after she accused him of “narcissist abuse” that left her with an “emotional bruise”.

Rebecca Klodinsky is a swimwear entrepreneur. Picture: Tim Carrafa

The ex-boyfriend of swimwear entrepreneur and AFL WAG Rebecca Klodinsky is suing her for defamation, claiming he was labelled as an emotionally abusive and manipulative narcissist following their bust-up.

Ms Klodinsky, who founded swimwear brand IIXIIST, and who is now in a loving relationship with retired Geelong star Lachie Henderson, last year spoke with reporters from women’s news websites 9Honey and Mamamia about her tumultuous relationship and break-up with businessman Gregory O’Shea.

Mr O’Shea was not named in the articles, but in documents filed in the County Court he claims his well-publicised, three year romance with Ms Klodinsky meant it was clear to everyone in their social circles who she was talking about.

Rebecca Klodinsky, founder of Australian bikini label IIXIIST which has launched NFTs. Picture: supplied

Rebecca Klodinsky, founder of Australian bikini label IIXIIST which has launched NFTs. Picture: supplied

One article quotes Ms Klodinsky saying Mr O’Shea had “sinister red flags” she should have picked up on in the early days of their relationship.

She said Mr O’Shea resorted to making comments about her weight and appearance.

“That sort of emotional abuse really adds up,” she said.

The article describes Mr O’Shea as perpetrating “daily manipulations” on Ms Klodinsky.

A social media post promoting the article described Mr O’Shea as a “narcissist”, and says Ms Klodinsky “escaped” their relationship.

Another second article, published on Mamamia, uses the pseudonym “Luke” in place of Mr O’Shea’s name.

It quotes Ms Klodinsky saying Mr O’Shea, during “normal fights”, would “always add in a subtle dig about me as a person”.

Rebecca Klodinsky and Greg O'Shea when they were a couple. Picture: Richard Gosling

Former Geelong star Lachie Henderson and girlfriend Rebecca Klodinsky

“A narcissist knows exactly what they’re doing. The more vulnerable you are with them, especially the more they’ve got more access to that inner part of you, they use it all to control you,” she said.

Ms Klodinsky also told Mamamia Mr O’Shea was a “bad person” and complained she was still dealing with his behaviour four years on.

“He always told me that he would f**k my life if I moved on,” Ms Klodinsky said.

“Narcissistic abuse is such a psychological thing … it still does leave an emotional bruise of sorts.”

Mr O’Shea claims he has been “gravely injured in his character and reputation and has suffered substantial hurt, distress and embarrassment” since the articles and social media posts were published.

He claims he was berated by a person “calling him a narcissist and a woman abuser” at a cafe in South Yarra last year, after the articles were published.

Mr O’Shea claims Ms Klodinsky “exaggerated allegations against (Mr O’Shea) in an exercise in self-promotion” portraying herself as “strong, brave and successful in being able to overcome the … awful characteristics and conduct of (Mr O’Shea)”.

He further claims the articles were an “exercise in demolishing (his) reputation”.

He is seeking damages, aggravated damages, an injunction requiring Ms Klodinsky to remove the publications and social media posts, and costs.

The case returns to court at a later date.