Former NRL star Wendell Sailor is facing a lawsuit from Madison Marcus Law Firm over unpaid legal fees amounting to more than $100,000.
The firm successfully defended his son, Tristan Sailor, against rape charges last year. Wendell’s wife, Tara, and Tristan, who was acquitted of the charges, are also named in the suit.
Tristan Sailor was accused of raping a woman in her Wolli Creek apartment in October 2020 while she was either unconscious, asleep, or too drunk to consent.
He maintained that the sex was consensual and that the woman was conscious and alert throughout their encounter.
The jury acquitted him of both counts in the NSW District Court.
The case is scheduled for a pre-trial conference in the Sydney District Civil Court on June 20.
NRL player Tristan Sailor (right) arrives with his father Wendell Sailor (left), a former Australian rugby league and rugby union football playe, at Sutherland Local Court in Sydney
Wendell Sailor was a club legend at the Brisbane Broncos and his son Tristan recently made his debut for the same club against the Warriors
Tristan was cleared to play for the Brisbane Broncos after he was found not guilty of sexual assault
While the exact value of the claim is undisclosed, the District Court handles claims ranging from $75,000 to $750,000.
Ramy Qutami, managing director of Madison Marcus Law Firm, represented Tristan during his 2022 rape trial.
When asked about the case by News Corp, Wendell Sailor, who co-hosts Triple M’s The Rush Hour with Gus Worland and ex-Sydney AFL legend Jude Bolton, declined to comment on why he was involved or whether the legal bill had been paid.
However, he confirmed that he was aware of the case and said, ‘I’ve got people looking at that. It’s being handled, mate. So thanks very much for your call.’
Tristan did not respond to an approach from News Corp for comment, and Tara could not be reached.
According to court records, Tristan is listed as the first respondent in the case, with his parents named as secondary respondents.
Tristan recently made his debut for the Brisbane Broncos, stepping in for several players on State of Origin duty.
Fox Sports commentator Steve Roach praised his performance, calling it ‘unbelievable’ and saying, ‘he couldn’t have done any more.’
