Andrew Laming asks for damages from Nine to settle defamation case
Media outlet Nine Network could pay Queensland MP Andrew Laming a six-figure sum if it opts to settle a high-profile defamation case.
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Media outlet Nine Network could pay embattled Queensland MP Andrew Laming a six-figure sum in compensation if it opts to take a settlement offer over a news report he claims was defamatory.
Dr Laming in late August launched defamation proceedings against Nine News in relation to an exclusive segment that aired allegations the MP had taken an “upskirting” photo of a woman at a local landscaping business as she bent down to stock a fridge in 2019.
Documents lodged with the Federal Court revealed Dr Laming has ordered the TV news report and any republications be removed from the internet and social media channels.
“Laming has been gravely injured in his character and reputation, and has suffered substantial hurt, distress and embarrassment and has and will continue to suffer loss and damage,” the documents stated.
Dr Laming’s legal team, now in possession of police records into the investigation of the “upskirting” claim, has sent a notice of settlement offer to Nine News seeking damages, with costs to be calculated.
Nine News has until Friday to respond to the settlement offer. Nine News has been approached for comment.
Federal Court records show Nine News filed notice on September 20 it would be represented by lawyers from Banki Haddock Fiora, a firm that specialises in media law.
Queensland Police found no evidence a criminal offence had been committed over a photo.
According to police records, which included an interview with the woman, Crystal White, and a statement from Dr Laming, the photo was taken as she crouched down to fill a bar fridge.
Dr Laming was told to delete the picture as photographing staff was not allowed and he complied immediately.
He maintains the photo in no way depicted the woman in a compromising or embarrassing position, nor was it designed to and has previously stated that he took it because he found the scene of Ms White filling the fridge with an “impossible amount of stock” amusing.
It is understood Dr Laming is self-funding all his legal costs.
He recently was awarded over $120,000 in damages from ABC journalist Louise Milligan, with the sum covered by the public broadcaster.
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