Key Points
- Bruce Lehrmann sues Network Ten and journalist Lisa Wilkinson over a February 2021 report on The Project.
- Lehrmann describes being “severely isolated” and facing social media backlash.
- The criminal trial over Brittany Higgins’ rape allegations against Lehrmann was derailed due to juror misconduct.
The former federal Liberal staffer rejected the allegation he raped Ms Higgins in a Parliament House office while giving evidence under oath for the first time on Thursday.
The law student told the court he was ostracised by friends and blocked and unfriended on social media after the rape allegations aired, despite the fact he was not named in the TV report.
Lehrmann said after The Project broadcast a red “eject” button was posted in a Facebook chat. Source: AAP / Federal Court of Australia
Lehrmann said following The Project broadcast someone posted an image of a red “eject” button in a Facebook chat with Nationals state and federal staffers before every other member of the group left.
“Just thought I’d let you know I don’t believe anything floating around out there,” another wrote in the days after the story broke.
Ms Higgins claims Lehrmann sexually assaulted her in the office of their then-boss, former defence industry minister Linda Reynolds, in the early hours of March 22, 2019. Source: AAP / Mick Tsikas
Ms Higgins claims Lehrmann sexually assaulted her in the office of their then-boss, former defence industry minister Linda Reynolds, in the early hours of March 22, 2019.
Lehrmann has always denied the allegations. No findings have been made against him.
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