Network 10 has released a statement following the delay of the trial of the man accused of raping former Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins. The trial was pushed back by ACT Supreme Court Chief Justice Lucy McCallum after Lisa Wilkinson gave a speech at the Logies about her interview with Higgins.
The decision was made after lawyers for Bruce Lehrmann, who is accused of sexually assaulting Higgins in Parliament House in 2019, argued that the publicity that was generated by Wilkinson’s speech meant that he would not be able to proceed with a fair trial.
From a Network 10 spokesperson: “Network 10 acknowledges the ruling by Chief Justice McCallum and fully supports Lisa Wilkinson. Both Network 10 and Lisa Wilkinson take their legal obligations very seriously, including in the preparation and delivery of her speech given at the Logies event. In light of the continuing proceedings, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.”
UPDATED STATEMENT, 24/6/22:
From a Network 10 spokesperson: “Recent reporting on Lisa Wilkinson by some media organisations has been inaccurate and unfair. There are significant facts that cannot be disclosed until after the trial has concluded.
“This reporting is now causing significant harm, and we ask these organisations to cease this harassment to allow Lisa the best opportunity to give her evidence in court and to enable the trial to go ahead in a fair and timely manner.
“We are closely monitoring all coverage of this issue and Lisa and Network 10 reserve their rights in respect of any future defamation claims.
“Network 10 continues to fully support Lisa in her ongoing and full commitment to doing the right thing as a witness in the trial.”
Brittany Higgins and Lisa Wilkinson
Chief Justice McCallum said she made the decision to delay the trial “regrettably and with gritted teeth,” saying that “The public at large is given to believe guilt is established. The importance of the rule of law has been set at nil.”
Wilkinson spoke at the Logies ceremony held on Sunday night after The Project was awarded for her interview with Higgins in February 2021. During the speech, Wilkinson openly referenced Higgins, despite being warned ahead of time that doing so could interfere with the case.
Broadcasters Amanda Keller and Brendan Jones have also been tied up in the delay, with Chief Justice McCallum saying that the pair had made comments on their radio show assuming that the crime had occurred without acknowledging that the trial had not happened yet.
The court will resume on Thursday to discuss further orders. It is possible the court will seek injunctions to prevent further commentary on the case against Wilkinson, The Project, Amanda Keller and Brendan Jones, and Higgins herself.