Leaked text messages show that columnist and author Peter FitzSimons and Brittany Higgins’ fiancé, David Sharaz, discussed the best way to cash in on her $325,000 book advance so the public wouldn’t think she “made millions.”
The group texts, obtained exclusively by Daily Mail Australia, were sent between 3:11pm and 3:16pm on April 13, 2021 – about two hours before it was announced that Penguin Random House had won the rights to publish Ms Higgins’ memoirs.
Ms Higgins’s book is said to depict the moment when Bruce Lehrmann allegedly raped her in Parliament House in 2019 and was originally set to be published in 2022 – before publishers held the book indefinitely due to legal issues.
Fitzsimons, Ms. Higgins’s literary agent, told her in March 2021 that she would receive a $325,000 advance from Penguin Random House, a previously heard court.
Daily Mail Australia can now reveal almost a month later that FitzSimons sent frantic messages to Ms Higgins and Mr Sharaz about an upcoming story in his employer’s Sydney Morning Herald confirming the book deal and the hefty advance she was due to receive.
Pictured: Lisa Wilkinson is pictured with her husband, Peter FitzSimons
David Sharaz is pictured with Brittany Higgins. She alleged that Bruce Lehrmann raped her in 2019. He denies the accusation
The article was published at 5:16 p.m. on April 13 — two hours after the text exchange — and reported that Penguin Random House had won the rights to Ms. Higgins’ biography after a triple auction involving Allen & Unwin and Hachette.
FitzSimons, who writes columns for the Sydney Morning Herald and the Sun Herald, referred to the auction when he wrote to Ms Higgins and Mr Sharaz before the article was published.
He wrote: ‘[The SMH] clearly have a source from one of the publishers that didn’t cross the line.
“They know a little detail. But much better that they break it than News Limited. It won’t have a negative spin.”
This comment was made despite the fact that Ms Higgins’ original allegations were first published by News Corp journalist Samantha Maiden on news.com.au in February 2021.
FitzSimons continued, “She [SMH journalist Melanie Kembrey] call back in an hour. I have not confirmed or denied anything.
“Perhaps it would be good for me to tell them that you spend a good portion of your money on the Rape Crisis Center?”
About 30 seconds later, Mrs. Higgins replied, “Yes, please. That would be great!’
Mr Sharaz said: ‘Just make sure we don’t confirm the big advance. Don’t you want them to think you make millions and so on?’
Peter FitzSimons told Brittany Higgins and her fiancé David Sharaz that there would be an article about the book deal and her down payment (mock-up of the lyrics, photo)
FitzSimons told Ms Higgins and Mr Sharaz he would tell the reporter she was sending ‘a big chunk’ to the Canberra Rape Crisis Center
FitzSimons said the SMH reporter believed Ms Higgins received $400,000 upfront, which was incorrect
FitzSimons replied, “Okay. I really hope you’re doing well and the writing is going well,” before engaging in a personal conversation about his own literary pursuits.
“When you were with us, I was a little frantic. Now I am VERY hectic. I’m trying to finish this book before the deadline. We look forward to seeing you both at our table,’ he continued.
In response to Mr Sharaz’s comments to make sure no one thought Ms Higgins’ advance was worth millions, he added: ‘And yes, David, [the journalist, Ms Kembrey] told me she thought it was $400,000.”
‘I said ‘none of that!’ I’ll talk her down. X.’
Ms Sharaz replied to FitzSimons’ message: ‘You are all so impressive. Lisa, Britt and yourself. Writers…this text was as much as I could write!’
Two hours later, at 5:16pm, the SMH published an article confirming Ms Higgins’ book deal – falsely stating that the advance was worth $250,000 – and detailing her planned donations to the Canberra Rape Crisis Centre.
Half an hour later, Ms. Higgins posted a copy of a Penguin Random House media statement to her Twitter profile.
The statement did not confirm a $325,000 advance, but did state that Ms. Higgins would donate half of the royalties for each book sold to the rape center.
The size of Ms Higgins’ advance was not made public until Mr Lehrmann’s trial in October last year.
Lisa Wilkinson (left) interviewed Ms Higgins (right) about her rape allegations on The Project in February 2021
The ACT Supreme Court heard that on March 16, 2021, Wilkinson and FitzSimons told Ms. Higgins about the book deal and the large advance via text message.
The court heard Mrs Higgins reply: ‘I’m blown away.
“Yeah, I absolutely can… I’ve had the chapters for the past month or so.”
The court also heard that Ms Higgins began sketching the chapters for the book before making a formal statement about her alleged rape to the police.
Mr Lehrmann had pleaded not guilty in a jury trial in the ACT High Court in October last year and continues to maintain his innocence.
His trial was stopped because a juror conducted an independent investigation. The assault charge against Mr. Lehrmann was later dropped by Shane Drumgold, the Director of Public Prosecutions for ACT, due to concerns about Ms. Higgins’ mental health.
Shane Drumgold has subsequently requested a leave of absence until June 13, with Deputy Anthony Williamson SC replacing him as the ongoing fallout from the case continues.
Mr Lehrmann subsequently launched defamation proceedings against the media and journalists who first made allegations of rape against Ms Higgins in February 2021, including FitzSimons’ wife Lisa Wilkinson.
Shane Drumgold has resigned from his position until June 13 amid ongoing fallout from the handling of a rape case against Lehrmann.
When contacted by Daily Mail Australia, FitzSimons said: ‘From the very first conversation, Ms Higgins insisted that a large portion go to the Rape Crisis Center or something like that.’
When asked why he didn’t correct the SMH report that Ms. Higgins’ advance was worth $250,000, FitzSimons said, “It wasn’t like that.” I didn’t give her grades because it wasn’t my place. I just said it was much lower, which it was.’
Daily Mail Australia is not suggesting that FitzSimons profited from Ms Higgins’ book deal.
Ms Higgins and Mr Sharaz were also contacted for comment.