Independent NSW MP Mark Latham has denied claims of serious domestic abuse made by his former partner and Liberal Party member, Nathalie Matthews.
The allegations against the former federal Labor leader and one-time One Nation MP were reported on Monday night by The Australian and are detailed in documents filed with the NSW Local Court.
Matthews has claimed Latham engaged in a “sustained pattern” of abuse, including emotional, psychological and financial manipulation.
The News Corp publication reported that the documents claim Latham pressured Matthews to have sex with other people and participate in depraved acts, as well as drove his car at her and borrowed $20,000 on four occasions without quick repayment. The documents also claim Latham monitored Matthew’s devices without consent and threatened to release intimate footage of her if she attempted to leave the situation.
The Australian reports the application documents detail the alleged abuse, with Matthews claiming Latham engaged in vile acts including defecating on her before sex, refusing to let her wash, demanding she call him “master” and telling her she was “his property”.
Latham denied all accusations to The Australian and posted a statement to X late on Monday night, calling the claims “comical and ridiculous”.
Matthews is seeking an order preventing Latham from going within 100 metres of her, and The Australian reports she has taken the allegations to NSW Police, who have not laid any charges or applied for an order on her behalf.
Matthews owns an e-commerce global logistics firm based in Dubai, Perth and Sydney according to her LinkedIn. The News Corp publication reports that in the application document, Matthews alleges she was in the Middle East for several weeks and upon her return, had been in “a constant state of fear and hypervigilance due to the defendant’s pattern of harassment and intimidation following previous separations”.
Last year, the Federal Court found Latham defamed independent Sydney MP Alex Greenwich in an offensive, homophobic tweet. Latham was ordered to pay $140,000 in costs to Greenwich, who also also brought a homosexual vilification and workplace sexual harassment claim against Latham before the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
Previously, Latham has also attacked domestic violence campaigner and former Australian of the year Rosie Batty, accusing her and feminists for “demonising men”. Latham has said men hit women as a “coping mechanism”, with his comments sparking immense backlash from advocates.
Two weeks ago, NSW premier Chris Minns addressed Latham’s actions towards Greenwich and Batty, calling Latham “one of the most bigoted MPs in the country”.
If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family or sexual violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au for online chat and video call services.
If you are concerned about your behaviour or use of violence, you can contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or visit http://www.ntv.org.au.
Feeling worried or no good? No shame, no judgement, safe place to yarn. Speak to a 13YARN Crisis Supporter, call 13 92 76. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.