Mark Latham launches GoFundMe to fight defamation suit launched by Sydney MP Alex Greenwich
Supporters of Mark Latham have been called to help raise money for his legal defence as the NSW One Nation leader faces a defamation suit over a homophobic tweet.
NSW One Nation Leader Mark Latham has created a GoFundMe to fund the defamation suit launched by independent MP Alex Greenwich over a vile homophobic tweet.
Organised by the Latham Defence Fund, the plea for funds called supporters to help Mr Latham fight the case. It has raised $8325, of its $20,000 target in six days.
Mr Greenwich’s legal team officially filed a defamation suit against Mr Latham, after the openly gay MP was subjected to a grotesque tweet in March. The first case management hearing will commence this Friday.
The now-deleted post described a sex act and was widely criticised across the political spectrum, with NSW Premier Chris Minns, NSW Opposition Leader Mark Speakman and Federal One Nation Leader Pauline Hanson, calling on Mr Latham to retract his comments and apologise.
Initially Mr Latham had a deadline of May 17 to issue a public apology to Mr Greenwich, however he rejected the offer.
In the campaign description, organisers accused “left-wingers” of “rubbing out Mark Latham with huge court costs”.
“Mr Latham needs your support. He hasn’t got the billionaires of Climate 200 backing him. He’s always lived in Western Sydney and only owned one house at a time,” the campaign description read.
“He hasn’t got the money or assets to fight off the Left by himself.
“Please help Mark Latham fight the Climate Change and Alphabet fanatics trying to break him financially.”
Mr Greenwich will be financially assisted by Climate 200, a venture initiated by millionaire businessman Simon Holmes à Court, which also backed environmentally progressive Teal candidates in state and federal elections.
The campaign has raised nearly $80,000 from more 415 donors, with one benefactor matching $25,000 in donations.
Climate 200’s Executive Director Byron Fay said it was an “an incredible response from the community”.
“Every dollar sends a strong message to Mark Latham that his behaviour is not acceptable and the community is willing to back those who are prepared to stand up to him,” he said.
“The 400 plus donors to our fundraising appeal are taking a stand for integrity, fairness and better behaviour in politics.”
Mr Greenwich has also lodged a police complaint against Mr Latham for using a carriage service to menace, harass and offend, plus a complaint with Anti-Discrimination NSW for homosexual vilification.
The independent MP will be represented by Dowson Turco Lawyers, Sophie Jeliba and Matt Collins AM KC.
Mr Greenwich’s legal team will be seeking maximum and aggravated damages against the upper house MP.
“Defamation is not just reducing someone’s character but also exposing someone to ridicule, contempt or hatred,” Mr Stewart said.
“He is constantly attacked by people who have held prejudices towards the LGBT community. That is visible in the media but also on social media.”
Mr Greenwich previously said he had been subjected to an onslaught of abuse and threats, some of which he has had to refer to police.
“My office is inundated with abusive emails and, in some cases, threats that I’ve had to report to police as a result of Mr Latham’s ongoing commentary and sexualised attacks on me,” he said.
“It is important when people attack your character, when people seek to reduce you to a sex act, when people seek to incite others to abuse intimidate and humiliate you that you take action, and that’s what I’m going to do.”
Mr Greenwich declined to comment further due to upcoming legal proceedings.
Mr Latham was also approached for comment.
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