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Full Court Upholds Lehrmann Defamation Loss, Says He Knew Higgins Did Not Consent

The unanimous ruling leaves him weighing a long‑shot High Court application.

Overview

  • The Full Court unanimously dismissed all four grounds of appeal and upheld the judgment for Network Ten and Lisa Wilkinson.
  • The appeal judges went further than the original ruling, finding Bruce Lehrmann had actual knowledge that Brittany Higgins was not consenting.
  • Lehrmann was ordered to pay Ten and Wilkinson’s appeal costs in addition to about $2 million already owed, heightening the risk of bankruptcy.
  • He maintains his innocence, and his solicitor said they are considering a special‑leave bid to the High Court, which faces a steep threshold.
  • Brittany Higgins expressed relief, saying she could “breathe again,” while Ten and Wilkinson welcomed the court’s endorsement of their case.