As many have noted on social media and elsewhere, Bruce Lehrmann attempted to go back for his hat a second time.
And just like his first attempt to collect it after escaping the lion’s den, as Justice Michael Lee famously declared in his verdict on Lehrmann’s defamation trial against Network Ten and journalist Lisa Wilkinson, Lehrmann failed to retrieve it again.
Brittany Higgins, meanwhile, says she can finally “breathe again” after learning that Lehrmann had lost his appeal.
Justice Lee declared in dismissing the defamation claim in 2024 that Lehrmann had “on the balance of probabilities” raped Higgins on a couch in a parliamentary office. The Federal Court upheld the finding on Wednesday.
Sharing a statement on social media, Higgins thanks the court, the defence team and Channel 10 for supporting survivors of sexual assault.
“While on the face of it this was a defamation case against a media outlet, in reality this was once again a rape trial,” she said.
“I cannot begin to tell you how retraumatising it is to have your rapist weaponise the legal system against you for daring to speak out.
“Sadly, this isn’t uncommon. It’s a legal tactic that is being increasingly used around the world by perpetrators in a bid to silence victims-survivors as a direct response to the #MeToo movement.”
Higgins also took the opportunity to highlight steps that can be taken to improve the criminal justice system, following the Australian Law Reform Commission’s latest report and recommendations to improve outcomes for victims.
She added that we need a serious conversation about Anti-SLAPP legislation in Australia, laws that would enable judges to dismiss lawsuits filed to harass or intimidate people from speaking out about matters of public concern.
Finally, Higgins said that despite everything she’s been through, she still believes in the importance of speaking out about gendered violence.
“There is inherent value in showing the one in five Australians who have experienced sexual assault aren’t just statistics. They are your friend, mother, daughter, sister and neighbour.
“So, let’s keep talking.”
Lehrmann did not appear in court on Wednesday. His lawyer said he is seeking advice on applying for special leave to contest the decision in the High Court.
He was ordered to pay $2 million in damages after losing the trial last year. He is now also required to pay additional bills following this unsuccessful appeal.
Lehrmann is in court again today in Hobart to face car theft charges. He is accused of stealing a Toyota Prado from a remote part of the state in November 2024.