Former Liberal staffer Bruce Lehrmann was found by Justice Michael Lee to have raped Brittany Higgins in Parliament House in 2019, according to a ruling in a defamation case against Network Ten and Lisa Wilkinson. The court determined, on the balance of probabilities, that Lehrmann assaulted Higgins after they had been drinking. Lehrmann had brought the defamation claim following a broadcast where Higgins alleged the rape. He denied the allegations; however, the court sided with the defendants, finding the imputation of the rape to be true based on the evidence presented.

Lehrmann’s defamation case loss follows the dropping of criminal charges against him by prosecutors in 2022, citing Higgins’ health concerns. The trial featured scrutiny of Lehrmann’s account, noting inconsistencies in his version of events. Meanwhile, Higgins provided a detailed and emotional testimony about the alleged assault and its impact.

The outcome has underscored ongoing discussions about the handling of sexual assault allegations within workplace environments.