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High Court Rejects Lehrmann's Appeal, Upholds Rape Findings

4/9/2026

Summary

Story summary

The High Court of Australia denied Bruce Lehrmann's appeal in his defamation case against Network Ten and journalist Lisa Wilkinson.
The court upheld findings that Lehrmann likely raped Brittany Higgins in Parliament House in 2019.
Justice Michael Lee said Lehrmann was "hell-bent on having sex" and disregarded Higgins's consent.
Lehrmann faces a $2 million costs order that could trigger bankruptcy, after dismissals by the Federal Court and the High Court.

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Story summary

The High Court of Australia denied Bruce Lehrmann's appeal in his defamation case against Network Ten and journalist Lisa Wilkinson.
The court upheld findings that Lehrmann likely raped Brittany Higgins in Parliament House in 2019.
Justice Michael Lee said Lehrmann was "hell-bent on having sex" and disregarded Higgins's consent.
Lehrmann faces a $2 million costs order that could trigger bankruptcy, after dismissals by the Federal Court and the High Court.