Defamation
Updated
Liberal Party
‘My biggest fans are gay people and trans people’: New secret recording aired in Deeming case
In audio played to the Federal Court, Opposition Leader John Pesutto is heard opening a meeting by saying: “We’ve got a huge problem.”
- by Rachel Eddie
Latest
Updated
Courts
Pesutto backs deputy who secretly taped Liberal meeting as ‘insurance’
Opposition Leader John Pesutto says he “absolutely” trusts David Southwick, who told the Federal Court he secretly recorded an internal meeting as an “insurance policy” because he could no longer trust Moira Deeming.
- by Rachel Eddie and Annika Smethurst
‘Many things are taped’ secretly in the Victorian Liberal Party, court hears
A former Liberal MP says he was warned on his first day in parliament that conversations in the party were often “surreptitiously” recorded, as leader John Pesutto moved to reassure Victorians that his position was safe.
- by Rachel Eddie and Annika Smethurst
Netflix loses first battle in $170 million Baby Reindeer defamation case
The Scottish woman who outed herself as the real-life “Martha” has a reasonable chance of succeeding in her defamation claim, a US judge has ruled.
- by Karl Quinn
Spreadsheet ranking Liberals on how they’d vote on Deeming expulsion shown to court
A colour-coded spreadsheet made by John Pesutto’s staff catalogues how every Victorian Liberal MP was expected to vote on a motion to expel Moira Deeming from the party room.
- by Rachel Eddie and Annika Smethurst
Analysis
Perth
Villain or victim? Reynolds, Higgins and the ‘tale’ that divides them
Brittany Higgins’ tearful interview over her alleged rape aired in 2021 was watched by more than half-a-million people – including Linda Reynolds, seeing her political downfall in real time.
- by Jesinta Burton
John Pesutto’s unwinnable position: Save himself, or save his job
The Liberal leader is battling two realities – a father of three fighting a costly defamation suit versus the senior politician trying to hang on to his job. It’s possible even if he wins, he loses.
- by Annika Smethurst and Rachel Eddie
Opinion
Political leadership
Not even MAFS could deliver the drama of the Deeming and Pesutto trial
Kim was double-crossed by John. John can’t stand Katherine. Louise wanted Moira gone, as did Matthew. And everyone’s angry with David. No, this is not Married at First Sight.
- by Annika Smethurst
‘A very unusual situation’: Pesutto shared defamation settlement efforts with Kennett
Opposition Leader John Pesutto also conceded he’d drafted a statement on a possible resignation for Moira Deeming hours before she was brought in to explain her actions to the leadership team.
- by Rachel Eddie and Annika Smethurst
As it happened: Moira Deeming, John Pesutto defamation case: Opposition leader cross-examined for first day in Federal Court
Victorian Opposition Leader John Pesutto has started giving evidence in the defamation trial ousted MP Moira Deeming launched against him.
- by Rachel Eddie, Annika Smethurst and Broede Carmody
Opinion
Courts
Secret recordings and Proud Boys: Trial has been four days of embarrassment for Liberals
Moira Deeming’s early stumbles in her case against Liberal leader John Pesutto present a cautionary tale about the risks of pursuing civil litigation.
- by Annika Smethurst
Original URL: https://www.watoday.com.au/topic/defamation-1lz3