War hero Ben Roberts-Smith slams new allegations
AUSTRALIA’S most decorated war hero Ben Roberts-Smith has slammed new allegations by Fairfax Media used in its defamation defence as malicious and baseless “gossip”.
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AUSTRALIA’S most decorated war hero has slammed new allegations of murderous misconduct by Fairfax Media used in its defamation defence as malicious and baseless “gossip”.
Documents filed by Fairfax in the Federal Court today allege Ben Roberts-Smith was complicit in the unlawful killing of six men while serving in Afghanistan.
They also accuse the former special forces officer of assaulting a woman with whom he was having an affair.
The Victoria Cross winner launched the civil lawsuit after allegations of war crimes and domestic violence were published in various outlets in June.
Mr Roberts-Smith said the “false allegations” were based on “unfounded hearsay and gossip” that further defames him.
“The document makes even more hurtful and untrue allegations against me that Fairfax Media clearly hope will be reported by other media,” Mr Roberts-Smith said.
He said he had also asked his lawyers to seek permission to provide Fairfax’s defence to the Australian Federal Police.