Barilaro preparing to sue YouTube comedian FriendlyJordies

NSW’s Deputy Premier is understood to be close to filing a defamation lawsuit against Labor-linked YouTube comedian FriendlyJordies.

Deputy Premier John Barilaro is understood to be close to filing a defamation lawsuit against Labor-linked YouTube comedian FriendlyJordies.

It’s rumoured the Christian Porter’s high profile barrister is now being briefed on the defamation case.

Deputy Premier John Barilaro is understood to have issues a deadline to the comedian to take videos down. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gaye Gerard

Mr Barilaro enlisted sought-after defamation lawyer Paul Svilans from Mark O’Brien Legal to counter what the politician alleges is an “indefensibly racist” campaign by the comedian.

FriendlyJordies — real name Jordan Shanks — has uploaded numerous videos the Deputy Premier alleges portray him as corrupt.

Mr Svilans, in a legal letter, claimed the “vile and racist attacks” had hurt Mr Barilaro and were “beneath contempt”.

Mr Shanks, on May 3, released a 44-minute video criticising the legal letter from Mr Svilans — and the lawyer himself.

Jordan Shanks, who performs as FriendlyJordies.

The legal letter warned the comedian, who often appears in videos alongside Labor heavyweights including ministers and former prime ministers, that a Federal Court case would be launched if he did not take down his videos and apologise within 14 days.

That deadline is now days away and Mr Shanks appears far from apologising. On Monday he reposted one of the videos Mr Barilaro has taken issue with and tagged the Deputy Premier.

The Saturday Telegraph understands Sue Crysanthou SC, who is representing Attorney-General Christian Porter in his unrelated lawsuit against the ABC, is being briefed as the barrister for Barilaro.

Mr Shanks recently released a video of himself storming a stage dressed as Luigi and speaking with an Italian accent as Mr Barilaro addressed a branch of the Nationals.

Mr Barilaro appears to calmly sip a schooner while Mr Shanks is dragged off stage by a man in a puffer vest and moleskins.