Bruce Lehrmann Loses Defamation Case Against Network Ten, Faces Hefty Legal Costs

Bruce Lehrmann, a former federal Liberal staffer, has lost his defamation case against Network Ten and now confronts the possibility of paying the network's full legal costs. In a hearing at the Federal Court of Australia on April 24, 2024, Network Ten claimed that Lehrmann brought the case "on a deliberately wicked and calculated basis."

Lehrmann had sued Network Ten over its coverage of rape allegations made against him by his former colleague, Brittany Higgins. However, in a historic judgment, the Federal Court found that Network Ten and its journalist Lisa Wilkinson had proved that Lehrmann raped Higgins in Parliament House in 2019, although this does not constitute a finding of criminal guilt.

Network Ten is now seeking to recover its full legal costs, estimated to be as high as $10 million. The network contends that Lehrmann engaged in an "abuse of process" by seeking substantial damages when he knew he had raped Higgins. Lehrmann had previously rejected a "walk away" offer from Ten and Wilkinson before the trial, which would have seen him leave with no apology, admission of liability, or cash settlement.

Why this matters: The case highlights the high stakes involved in defamation trials and the potential financial consequences for those who pursue such actions. It also emphasizes the ongoing impact of the #MeToo movement and the challenges faced by survivors of sexual assault in seeking justice and accountability.

The court is now considering both parties' submissions on the costs, with a decision anticipated next Wednesday. Lehrmann's ability to pay the steep legal bill is in question, as he has reportedly not worked since 2021. If he is unable to pay, Network Ten may seek a third-party costs order or Lehrmann could be declared bankrupt, leaving the network to cover its own costs.

The case has been a high-profile one, involving allegations of sexual misconduct within the Australian Parliament and the subsequent handling of the case by the government. The court has also revealed that the idea of a political cover-up of Higgins' allegations, a key part of Wilkinson's 2022 interview, has been debunked. Higgins has since apologized to former senator Linda Reynolds and her chief of staff Fiona Brown for the hurt they have endured, though Reynolds says she will continue her own defamation case against Higgins unless she publicly acknowledges there was no cover-up.

Key Takeaways

• Bruce Lehrmann loses defamation case against Network Ten.
• Court finds Lehrmann raped Brittany Higgins in Parliament House.
• Network Ten seeks to recover up to $10 million in legal costs.
• Lehrmann's ability to pay the costs is in question.
• Court debunks claims of a political cover-up of Higgins' allegations.