Justice Michael Lee of the Federal Court ruled against Bruce Lehrmann in his defamation lawsuit against Network Ten and journalist Lisa Wilkinson. The case centred on an interview Wilkinson conducted with Brittany Higgins, aired on “The Project,” where Higgins alleged she had been raped by Lehrmann in Parliament House.

The judgment, delivered on April 15, 2024, concluded that no defamation occurred during the broadcast. Justice Lee’s oral summary, which lasted two and a half hours, criticized Lehrmann’s credibility and dismissed his claims, noting inconsistencies in his statements.

The trial had attracted significant public and media attention, highlighting not only the specific allegations but also broader issues concerning defamation law, media responsibility, and the intersection of media and politics in Australia. The verdict concluded a contentious legal battle and is considered significant in discussions about journalistic practices and legal standards in defamation cases within the country.