Brittany Higgins 'willing to testify' in Bruce Lehrmann's defamation case

Brittany Higgins says she is committed to appearing before civil proceedings brought by former colleague Bruce Lehrmann.

Lehrmann has launched defamation action against Network Ten and News Life Media, the News Corp Australia company behind News.com.au, over their coverage of rape allegations made by Higgins.

His lawyers filed statements of claim in the Federal Court on Tuesday afternoon, with the two outlets named as respondents in the applications.

READ MORE: Baby rescued from rubble after mother gives birth while trapped

Brittany Higgins, Bruce Lehrmann composite image

Higgins accused Lehrmann of raping her inside the Parliament House office of then-minister Linda Reynolds, who they both worked for, in 2019.

He denied the allegation and maintained the pair never had any sexual interaction.

"Following recent developments, I feel the need to make it clear if required I am willing to defend the truth as a witness in any potential civil cases brought about by Mr Lehrmann," Higgins reposted on Twitter on Tuesday evening.

https://twitter.com/BrittHiggins_/status/1623038017253539840

Lehrmann's criminal trial in the ACT Supreme Court was derailed in October due to juror misconduct and the prosecutor later dropped the charges due to the impacts a second trial would have on Higgins' mental health.

READ MORE: DFAT confirms 'small number' of Australians caught in deadly earthquake

Sydney law firm Mark O'Brien Legal is representing Lehrmann in the defamation proceedings.

The ACT government has launched an independent inquiry into the handling of Higgins' rape allegations by police, prosecutors and a victims' support service.

Sign up here to receive our daily newsletters and breaking news alerts, sent straight to your inbox.

Crisis support is available from Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Support is available from the National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).

Related Posts

Brittany Higgins 'willing to testify' in Bruce Lehrmann's defamation case
4/ 5
Oleh