Lisa Wilkinson apologises to Andrew Laming

Lisa Wilkinson has issued an apology to former MP Andrew Laming after accusing him of inappropriate behaviour.

Lisa Wilkinson has apologised to former Queensland MP Andrew Laming after accusing him of taking an inappropriate photo of a woman.

Wilkinson tweeted on Sunday that she apologies to Dr Laming for any “hurt and offence caused to him.”

“In March 2021 I published a tweet about Andrew Laming,” she tweeted.

“I now accept that the claim made about Dr Laming in that tweet was false and defamatory.”

“I unconditionally withdraw that claim and apologise to Dr Laming for any hurt and offence caused to him by reason of my conduct.”

Mr Laming said he was relieved that the latest apology had been delivered, nearly 14 months after Nine Media broadcasts.

Lisa Wilkinson tweeted an apology to former QLD MP Andrew Laming. Picture: Channel 10

Wilkinson’s apology has added to the list of media and political identities who have apologised to Dr Laming.

“I won’t be truly vindicated until the original publisher of the false allegations takes responsibility or is otherwise held in court,” Dr Laming said.

The former Liberal MP is suing Nine Media for defamation, with the hearing listed in the Federal Court for October.

In 2019, 29-year-old Crystal White accused Mr Laming of taking an inappropriate photo of her while she was filling a bar fridge at a landscaping company.

Mr Laming insisted the photo, which he did not deny taking, was “completely dignified” but regardless he offered to delete it anyway.

“The photograph was of her in a completely dignified position, in no way compromised, doing a very hard job well in full view of every customer,” he previously told ABC Radio.

The former politician took legal action after Queensland Police cleared him of any wrongdoing.

Mr Laming stepped down from politics in March last year after allegations of harassment were aired by Nine News.

“I will step down from all parliamentary roles effective immediately and complete both the counselling courses I committed to; as well as additional clinical counselling, and ask for privacy while that is completed,” the statement said.

The former LNP backbencher told news.com.au he has been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD by a psychiatrist. He believes that the daily medication he now relies on has changed his life.

Dr Laming insists he’s not looking for a “free pass” for his behaviour that includes allegations of the online abuse of constituents on Facebook, but admits his psychiatric diagnosis was a light bulb moment that has also transformed his relationship with his children.

“This is not an excuse,’’ he said.