In a landmark ruling, an Australian federal court has dismissed the defamation case against Network Ten and presenter Lisa Wilkinson, affirming the broadcast’s content about the Brittany Higgins case as credible.
In a recent federal court decision in Australia, Justice Michael Lee ruled against former Liberal staffer Bruce Lehrmann in a defamation case involving Network Ten and presenter Lisa Wilkinson. The judgment, delivered on April 15, 2024, concluded that it is probable that Lehrmann raped Brittany Higgins at Parliament House in 2019. Higgins had shared her allegations during an interview aired by Network Ten, where she claimed she was assaulted in a federal minister’s office.
This ruling marked the conclusion of a notable legal battle that captured widespread media attention, focusing on issues of alleged sexual assault and defamation. The court found that Wilkinson and the network did not defame Lehrmann, as the broadcast story about the alleged rape was considered true based on the balance of probabilities.
Justice Michael Lee critiqued Lehrmann’s credibility during the trial, describing him as a “poor witness” prone to fabrication. The case highlighted not only the specific allegations but also broadened discussions on the treatment of women in Australian politics and the accountability of individuals in power.
The outcome of this case has been underlined by various reactions, emphasizing its significance in the ongoing dialogue regarding sexual misconduct and justice within the political sphere in Australia.
