I’ll be a witness if Bruce Lehrmann sues: Brittany Higgins

Brittany Higgins has declared she is willing to ‘defend the truth’ in any defamation case brought by Bruce Lehrmann amid concerns for her mental health.

Former Liberal Party staffer Brittany Higgins. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

Brittany Higgins has declared she is willing to appear as a witness “to defend the truth” in any defamation case brought by Bruce Lehrmann, just five days after the ACT Director of Public Prosecutions abandoned the rape case against Mr Lehrmann, citing concerns for Ms Higgins’ mental health.

The announcement from Ms Higgins follows confirmation that top media lawyer Mark O’Brien has joined Mr Lehrmann’s legal team in a series of possible defamation actions against media outlets and personalities over reporting of Ms Higgins’ rape allegations.

Ms Higgins' statement came as she marked her 28th birthday in a Queensland hospital, where she has been receiving treatment for her fragile mental health.

Following recent developments, I feel the need to make it clear if required I am willing to defend the truth as a witness in any potential civil cases brought about by Mr Lehrmann.

— Brittany Higgins (@BrittHiggins_) December 7, 2022

In a tweet posted late on Wednesday afternoon Ms Higgins said: “Following recent developments, I feel the need to make it clear if required I am willing to ­defend the truth as a witness in any potential civil cases brought about by Mr Lehrmann.”

Ms Higgins declined through a friend to offer further comment.

The potential targets of Mr Lehrmann’s lawsuits include TV presenter Lisa Wilkinson over the Channel 10 interview in which Ms Higgins first accused “a male colleague” of rape and the ABC, which broadcast a National Press Club appearance in February by Ms Higgins and Grace Tame.

The ABC also broadcast live an emotional speech Ms Higgins made outside the ACT Supreme Court in October after Chief Justice Lucy McCallum aborted Mr Lehrmann’s trial over juror misconduct.

A rape case against Bruce Lehrmann was abandoned on Friday. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

Other possible targets for ­defamation proceedings include “eminent individuals” who tweeted or shared the speech, while media outlets that ran the speech in full or those parts of it that went to the truth of Ms Higgins’ allegations are also in the frame.

Several newspapers, including The Australian, may also be ­issued with concerns notices.

A defamation specialist known for his aggressive ­approach in representing clients, Mr O’Brien has acted for VC ­recipient Ben Roberts-Smith, actor Craig McLachlan, former treasurer Joe Hockey and businessman Chau Chak Wing.

Ms Higgins is expected to launch a personal injury claim against the commonwealth and former bosses Linda Reynolds and Michaelia Cash. It is believed she will claim $2.5m for future economic loss, up to $100,000 for past economic loss, $100,000 for general damages, $20,000 for ­future assistance with domestic duties and $150,000 for past and future out-of-pocket expenses.