In a defamation case initiated by former Liberal staffer Bruce Lehrmann over an interview on The Project alleging the rape of Brittany Higgins, Network Ten has presented its defense.
Prior to being charged with the alleged offense, Mr. Lehrmann was not mentioned in the episode, which aired in February 2021.
However, he filed a slander lawsuit in the Federal Court, asserting that it would have been simple to identify him from the materials.
In response to accusations that he raped Ms. Higgins, Mr. Lehrmann has insisted again and time again that he is innocent.
A retrial was eventually postponed due to concerns for Ms. Higgins’ health after his trial was abandoned due to jury misbehavior.
No conclusions have been made against him.
He is now suing News Live Media and journalist Samantha Maiden for a similar story that was posted online the same day, as well as Network Ten and journalist Lisa Wilkinson for the show.
Network Ten stated in its response to the defamation lawsuit brought on Tuesday that it would endeavor to prove the accuracy of the reporting and would also rely on the qualified privilege defense.
The media business also addressed Mr. Lehrmann’s assertions that he was not given a chance to address the accusations before the interview, which is thought to have been seen by 720,000 people, went to air.
Network Ten defended itself by claiming that it made “reasonable attempts” to get Mr. Lehrmann’s perspective, including calls, texts, and emails.
A producer of The Project sent Mr. Lehrmann an email with 16 questions, including “Did you rape Brittany Higgins as claimed?” Court filings include this email. and “Are you available for an interview with the Project?”.
According to Ten’s defense materials, Mr. Lehrmann did not react to any of its contact attempts.
Similar to Network Ten, Wilkinson stated in her defense filing last week that she will attempt to establish the veracity of Mr. Lehrmann’s rape of Ms. Higgins.
Now that every media outlet has stated they will work to ensure accurate reporting
News Life Media and Maiden also stated during a brief mention in the Federal Court late on Wednesday afternoon that they would try to establish qualified privilege and truth defenses in the case.
Even though it had been more than a year since the news items were published, Mr. Lehrmann’s attorney Steve Whybrow argued in court that his client should be permitted to file the defamation lawsuit.
Because of his impending criminal prosecution from late last year, Mr. Whybrow claimed Mr. Lehrmann was unable to intervene sooner.
The court also explored limiting the proceedings so that Mr. Lehrmann wouldn’t have to endure repeated cross-examinations as the case progressed.
Next week, the case will be heard in court again.
