Brittany Higgins has taken to social media to give a stinging response to a new book about the defamation case against Bruce Lehrmann.
An X user posted criticism of the publisher of a new book about Judge Michael Lee’s historic verdict.
The message read: “For crying out loud, #MelbourneUniversityPress did NOT get permission from Brittany Higgins OR permission from Judge Lee before labeling Lee’s defamation decision as a book, for which the scammers are charging $37. (The decision is available online for free). A way to make money from rape.”
The post continued: “I don’t know if Brittany Higgins gave consent.”
“If she didn’t, we can add Melbourne University Press to the long line of media outlets that have commercialized and profited from her trauma. If they DID get her permission, why didn’t either news publication think to ask for it?’
Ms Higgins replied to the post with a blunt response: ‘The answer is no.’
Judge Michael Lee, who presided over Bruce Lehrmann’s defamation trial, has said he was not involved in the project.
In his April judgment, Judge Lee found – on the balance of probabilities – that Lehrmann raped fellow political worker Brittany Higgins at Parliament House in March 2019.
Brittany Higgins (photo) has given a stinging response on social media to a new book about the defamation trial against Bruce Lehrmann
Judge Michael Lee (pictured) presided over the defamation trial of Bruce Lehrmann and said he had no involvement in the book about the trial
Judge Lee became a minor celebrity after presiding over the high-profile trial that was streamed live on YouTube.
Melbourne University Press announced it would publish his verdict next month in a book titled He Went Back For His Hat.
The website lists Justice Lee as the author, as well as a brief biography.
However, in a statement, a spokesperson for the Federal Court of Australia said neither the court nor Judge Lee were involved in the book at all.
The spokesperson also pointed out that it is Judge Lee’s sole judgment available online and for free.
“The Federal Court and Judge Lee did not authorize or approve the publication of the judgment in this format, nor was Judge Lee directly involved in the content of the preamble,” the spokesperson said.
‘There are no licensing or other agreements with Justice Lee or the Court with this publisher.
The book detailing Judge Michael Lee’s ruling in the defamation trial against Bruce Lehrmann will be published next month by Melbourne University Press. The cover of the book is shown
“Judge Lee’s full judgment is publicly available on the Federal Court’s website, in line with the Court’s commitment to open and accessible justice.
‘Responsibility for the impact of this publication on any future appeals lies with Melbourne University Press.’
Melbourne University Press has been contacted for comment.
The book’s title comes from a quote from Judge Lee describing Lehrmann’s decision to file a defamation suit against Network 10 and Lisa Wilkinson after criminal proceedings against him were dropped.
“After escaping from the lion’s den, Mr. Lehrmann made the mistake of going back for his hat,” he said.
Lehrmann was tried in the ACT Supreme Court in 2022 after pleading not guilty to one count of sexual intercourse without consent.
The trial was halted due to juror misconduct and the Director of Public Prosecutions dropped the charges and plans for a retrial over concerns for Ms Higgins’ welfare.
The book contains a foreword by consent activist Chanel Contos.
However, Judge Lee said through a court spokesperson that he was not involved in the content of the introduction.
Lehrmann has appealed his defamation loss.
Network 10 has asked the court to order him to post $200,000 security – to cover their legal costs – so the appeal can proceed.
The application is being opposed by Lehrmann’s lawyer Zali Burrows, who told the court on Monday her client was on Centrelink benefits and could not afford a $200,000 bail.
“The only chance he would probably ever have to make money is through OnlyFans or something like that,” Ms Burrows told the court.