‘Helluva yarn’: Ex-Spotlight producer Taylor Auerbach’s book hint

The journalist turned star witness in Bruce Lehrmann’s defamation case also shared pictures of a trip to McDonald’s.

The former TV news producer turned star witness in Bruce Lehrmann’s defamation case says he has been writing a book, promising it to be “one helluva yarn”.

Journalist Taylor Auerbach was the producer who secured an exclusive interview for the Channel 7 program Spotlight with Mr Lehrmann in the wake of the ex-political staffer’s abandoned rape trial.

Mr Auerbach later became an explosive witness in the Federal Court when Mr Lehrmann sued Network 10 and journalist Lisa Wilkinson for defamation over stories alleging he raped colleague Brittany Higgins inside Parliament House in 2019.

Taylor Auerbach was called as a witness in the defamation trial. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Nikki Short

Bruce Lehrmann lost the case. Picture: Don Arnold/Getty Images

Mr Lehrmann lost the case, with Justice Michael Lee finding he did rape Ms Higgins based on the civil standard, which is the balance of probabilities.

The former Liberal adviser denies the claims and the criminal charge against him was dropped. He has not been found guilty of any criminal offence.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Mr Auerbach last night told followers that he was now writing a book.

“I don’t have a publisher – rather, I’m just having a crack, to see if I can do it,” he said.

“It might never be read by anybody but me. And I’m only an each-way bet.

“Fiction/Non-fiction? It would be crass to say.”

The post on X (formerly Twitter) last night. Photo: X.

He shared an image of an AI analysis of the book’s first chapter, which stated the story “revolves around a series of events involving a group of individuals connected to the media and political landscape in Australia”.

“It follows the interactions and dynamics between these characters, including a producer, government consultants, and a controversial figure accused of rape,” the post states.

“The narrative explores themes such as media manipulation, power dynamics and the ethical implications of reporting on sensitive issues.”

Mr Auerbach wrote: “Based on its early review, this promises to be one helluva yarn …”

Taylor Auerbach also shared pictures of him ordering McDonald’s. Photo: X.

Mr Auerbach eating his food. Photo: X.

A few hours later, about midnight, Mr Auerbach detailed his trip to order McDonald’s from a store near his home.

“The local McDonald’s won’t serve me at counter, but will honour Uber Eats orders, so I’ve ordered Uber Eats to the local McDonald’s,” he wrote.

His shared selfies of the mission, which ended with a snap of him eating a burger.

On Friday, Justice Lee ordered Mr Lehrmann pay court costs for 10 and Ms Wilkinson after his failed defamation action.

It means he could have to pay millions of dollars after Justice Lee ordered he pay some of the costs on an “indemnity basis”.

Mr Lehrmann has until May 31 to launch an appeal against the decision after being granted a time extension.

Originally published as ‘Helluva yarn’: Ex-Spotlight producer Taylor Auerbach’s book hint