Olivia Simmons doubles down on allegations against half-brother as he sues her for defamation

The sister of NBA star Ben Simmons told a court she’s now preparing a report for police as her half-brother sues for defamation.

The sister of NBA star Ben Simmons has told a court she would not lie about her half-sibling sexually molesting her as she revealed she was preparing a report for police.

Olivia Simmons appeared via videolink in the Federal Court on Friday, where her half-brother Sean Tribe is suing her for defamation over a series of tweets she posted on April 10.

Ms Simmons, 29, alleged in the online posts that she had been abused by Mr Tribe since the age of three.

Tribe, who is Ben Simmons’ half-brother and manager, vehemently denies the allegations.

Addressing Justice Michael Lee in the first court hearing of the case, Ms Simmons revealed she had been working with police since going public with the molestation claims last month.

“Your honour, I understand how serious this matter is,” Ms Simmons said.

“I would like the chance to defend myself. I am in the middle of conducting a police report.

“I just want it to be known to the court that I would never make such allegations that were false.

Ben Simmons, Sean Tribe and Olivia Simmons together. Picture: Twitter

“Hence why I am going through the process of the police report.

“These things take time. It is in process. This has affected my whole life.”

Ms Simmons, a former Arizona State Sun Devils player, said she had not been able to find a lawyer to represent her because she did not have the funds.

“I have been dealing with numerous things in my life. Health being the number one,” she said.

“Also funding, so I don’t have access to a lawyer. My hands are kind of tied.

“I am just trying to manage things the best I can.”

The Melbourne-based mother said she was hopeful her recent contact with Justice Connect would be able to find her a lawyer.

“I don’t want to represent myself,” she said.

Justice Lee said he was “sympathetic” to Ms Simmons being unrepresented and did not want her to face “any procedural unfairness” but he had to balance her interests with that of Mr Tribe, who has asked the matter be dealt with urgently.

“I can’t allow the matter to drift as it were,” Justice Lee said.

“It was served on you now quite a considerable time ago.”

Ben Simmons with his family, including father Dave Simmons, father Julie Simmons, sister Oliva Simmons and half-brother Sean Tribe. Picture: Twitter

Justice Lee gave her another 21 days to file her defence, saying that should be “more than adequate time”.

He warned her that her inability to obtain legal representation would not stop the case from proceeding.

Court documents filed by Mr Tribe claim he has been “gravely injured in his character and reputation, and has suffered substantial hurt, distress and embarrassment” by the allegations.

He wants the court to issue damages and order his half-sister permanently remove any tweets that have “defamatory imputation”.

Tribe has also asked the judge to restrain her from publishing any further allegations.

A five-day trial to determine the case was set down for September.

[e-mail]

Originally published as Olivia Simmons doubles down on allegations against half-brother as he sues her for defamation