Bruce Lehrmann confirms Channel 7 paid his rent for TV interviews, amidst defamation case against Network Ten and Lisa Wilkinson.
In a Tuesday development in the defamation case brought by Bruce Lehrmann against Network Ten and journalist Lisa Wilkinson, the NSW Federal Court heard that Channel 7 is set to cover Lehrmann’s Sydney accommodation costs for 12 months.
This arrangement, revealed during cross-examination, is linked to his participation in interviews for Channel 7‘s Spotlight program.
Lehrmann, a former Liberal staffer, has been embroiled in controversy following allegations made by Brittany Higgins of being raped in a Parliament House office in March 2019.
The allegations were highlighted in a The Project episode in February 2021, hosted by Wilkinson. Although not named directly in the show, Lehrmann claims the details made him identifiable and has consistently denied the allegations.
During the court proceedings, Lehrmann confirmed he received payment for two Spotlight interviews conducted in June and August of this year.
In response to questioning by Sue Chrysanthou, SC, representing Wilkinson, he acknowledged that part of his motivation for going public was to vindicate himself. “That was a consideration, yes,” he replied when asked about his intentions.
Further, Lehrmann admitted to an agreement with Channel 7, which included 12 months of accommodation payment, starting from June 2023. “That’s the only part, that’s what I get, yes,” he stated, confirming the arrangement for the period until June 2024.
In defending its actions, Channel 7 clarified that it did not pay Lehrmann directly for the interview but provided accommodation assistance as part of the report’s filming process.
A spokesperson for Channel 7 stated,
“We said at the time we were assisting Bruce Lehrmann with his accommodation costs. It was well-reported back then.
The 7NEWS Spotlight report was rightfully judged by the esteemed Walkley Foundation as one of the top three scoops of 2023.”
The legal battle has gained significant attention, with the defamation trial being labelled a “de-facto rape trial”. Network Ten is employing a truth defence, aiming to prove the truth or substantial truth of the rape allegations.
Lehrmann faced a trial last year over the rape charges, which was discontinued after a juror introduced external research into the court. Subsequently, prosecutors dropped the charge over concerns for Higgins’ mental health. Lehrmann continues to maintain his innocence in the matter.
SOURCE: AFR
