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Activist Kellie-Jay Keen claims John Pesutto spread ‘egregious lies’ about her

A women’s rights activist is considering taking legal action against opposition leader John Pesutto following the controversial Let Women Speak rally.

Moira Deeming’s expulsion will ‘embolden’ women to ‘stand up’ for their rights

Opposition leader John Pesutto may be facing another defamation lawsuit after prominent women’s rights activist Kellie-Jay Keen said she was considering taking legal action his public comments about her after the controversial Let Women Speak rally.

Speaking with The Australian, Ms Keen said she was weighing up her options after Mr Pesutto spread “egregious lies” about her.

It comes after expelled Liberal MP Moira Deeming has already issued Mr Pesutto three concerns notices warning she intended to launch defamation proceedings for the comments he made about her publicly after the event.

Expelled Liberal MP Moira Deeming with activist Kellie-Jay Keen. Picture: YouTube
Expelled Liberal MP Moira Deeming with activist Kellie-Jay Keen. Picture: YouTube

In March, both women spoke at the Let Women Speak rally on the steps of the Victorian parliament, which was gatecrashed by neo-Nazis and a third group of trans-activists who held a counter protest in the weeks following, Mr Pesutto expelled Ms Deeming from the party after criticising her for being part of the event in front of media and on social media.

Mr Pesutto has indicated if the lawsuit by Deeming is launched he will use the truth defence, however the Liberal party has ruled it will not cover the costs of his defence which could amount to $1m.

Ms Keen, also known as Posie Parker, said Pesutto’s comments about her put her life in danger.

Mr Pesutto’s office declined to comment.

Originally published as Activist Kellie-Jay Keen claims John Pesutto spread ‘egregious lies’ about her

Original URL: https://www.ntnews.com.au/news/victoria/activist-kelliejay-keen-claims-john-pesutto-spread-egregious-lies-about-her/news-story/3babadd8204a83ea560dbd63de70d599