Bruce Lehrmann, former staffer to then Defence Industry Minister Linda Reynolds, experienced a disturbing confrontation at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on Friday.
Lehrmann, who was acquitted of rape charges involving fellow staffer Brittany Higgins, faced a torrent of verbal abuse while attending the third Test match against Pakistan.
Lehrmann and a companion were returning to the SCG when they encountered four men, purportedly in their thirties. The men targeted Lehrmann with a barrage of insults, referencing the Higgins allegations and making derogatory remarks about his appearance and understanding of consent.
The incident, which began outside the venue, continued inside, with the men following Lehrmann for approximately 300 metres.
“Don’t you know what consent is, Bruce? You f**ing fat prck,”
the group reportedly taunted Lehrmann.
Denying all accusations of sexual assault against Higgins, Lehrmann has remained a controversial figure. During the incident, the men also suggested that Lehrmann should jump off the top bay of the stadium, further exacerbating the situation with offensive language and actions.
The altercation escalated when Lehrmann was told to “go back to his air-conditioned mansion,” referencing Channel Seven‘s role in his life. The network had provided Lehrmann with fully paid accommodation for 12 months in Sydney’s Northern Beaches, in exchange for exclusive interviews on their 7News Spotlight program.
Upon entering the SCG and proceeding up the escalator, the abuse intensified, leaving Lehrmann visibly shaken. CCTV footage captured by ground staff revealed Lehrmann’s distress. The situation reached a tipping point, leading him and his friend to leave the event prematurely.
In response, Lehrmann condemned the conduct, particularly its occurrence in the presence of families and children at the venue. He expressed his dismay at the group’s decision to engage in such behaviour amidst a family-oriented event like the Pink Test. Lehrmann described the incident as ‘abhorrent’ and criticized the men’s intellect and character.
Venues NSW, the operator of the SCG, has reiterated its stance against anti-social behaviour. The organization urges spectators to report such incidents, warning that offenders could face a two-year ban from the venue.
This confrontation follows a recent incident where a woman allegedly targeted Lehrmann’s residence, mistakenly vandalizing a neighbour’s vehicle.
Lehrmann‘s history includes the highly publicized rape allegations by Brittany Higgins, which he has consistently denied. The charges were ultimately dropped due to concerns over Higgins’ mental health following a collapsed trial caused by jury misconduct.
In a separate development, Lehrmann has initiated a defamation case against Network Ten regarding an interview on The Project where Higgins first publicised her allegations. Lehrmann, who was not named in the interview, claimed that identifiable references were made about him.
SOURCE: B&T
That group should be made Australian(s) of the Year.
Witnesses ?
Nah, I thought so…😏🤨