CONTENT WARNING: This article discusses rape.
Bruce Lehrmann has officially run out of legal options in his defamation case against Network 10 and journalist Lisa Wilkinson, after the High Court dismissed his final attempt to appeal on Thursday.
In a short judgment published online, the High Court wrote simply: “Special leave refused with costs.” The decision ends Lehrmann’s long-running legal battle with Ten and Wilkinson, which began after The Project aired an interview with former Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins in 2021.
That broadcast didn’t name Lehrmann, but he later sued for defamation, claiming he was identifiable as the man Higgins accused of raping her in Parliament House in March 2019.
In April 2024, Federal Court Justice Michael Lee found that, on the balance of probabilities, Lehrmann did rape Higgins — and that Wilkinson and Ten were therefore justified in publishing the story. Lehrmann has consistently denied any sexual activity occurred and maintains his innocence.
Justice Lee’s ruling included the now widely quoted line: “Having escaped the lion’s den, Mr Lehrmann made the mistake of going back for his hat,” referring to Lehrmann’s decision to launch the civil case after his criminal trial was abandoned due to juror misconduct.
Lehrmann appealed that outcome later in 2024, but the full bench of the Federal Court not only upheld Justice Lee’s findings, they went further, determining Lee should have concluded Lehrmann had “actual knowledge” that Higgins did not consent. Those judges also backed Lee’s assessment of Lehrmann’s credibility.
After that, Lehrmann took his fight to the High Court, arguing the appeal decision was legally flawed. That bid has now been firmly rejected.
The ruling means Lehrmann will face significant legal costs, including millions from previous stages of the proceedings. Having now exhausted all avenues of appeal, Thursday’s decision effectively closes one of Australia’s most closely watched defamation cases.
Lead image: Getty
Help is available.
If you’re in distress, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or chat online. If it’s an emergency, please call 000.
Under 25? You can reach the Kids Helpline at 1800 55 1800 or chat online.
The post Bruce Lehrmann’s High Court Bid Rejected, Ending Defamation Fight With Network Ten appeared first on PEDESTRIAN.TV .
