Messages between Mr Sharaz and Wilkinson were published on the Federal Court website on Friday as part of the defamation trial against Bruce Lehrmann.
In one email, Wilkinson is seen discussing the logistics of meeting with Mr Sharaz and Ms Higgins to discuss the story for The Project in January 2021.
“Hi Lisa, in my attempt to be a good partner to a woman I love and care about, I scared her because this is starting very quickly,” Mr. Sharaz wrote.
David Sharaz (pictured with Brittany Higgins) admitted in an email to Lisa Wilkinson that he ‘scared’ his partner Brittany Higgins after first approaching the TV presenter for an interview about her rape allegations
“Naive, I didn’t even think about making her feel like she’s a passenger in something. I want her to feel like she has this under control.
“She wants to take control of this herself, but was glad I told you the background.”
Mr Sharaz said Ms Higgins was still working in Liberal Senator Linda Reynolds’ office at the time and was “afraid this was going to blow up” before she left or reported the incident to police.
“I hope this makes sense and it’s okay. My role going forward is to be a supportive partner to a woman I love and care about deeply,” said Sharaz.
Wilkinson responded to the email and arranged for Ms Higgins to be ‘the driving force’ of the story.
Emails between Lisa Wilkinson (pictured) and David Sharaz were released on the Federal Court website on Friday as part of the defamation trial against Bruce Lehrmann, which concluded in December.
“Too many others have had control over everything that has happened to her so far. She is wise to want to change that,” Wilkinson said.
“Most importantly, let Brittany know that I completely understand ALL her concerns. And I promise we will continue at her pace from here.”
Mr Lehrmann has taken legal action against Wilkinson and Network 10 in federal court over her 2021 interview with Ms Higgins, in which she alleged he raped her at Parliament House in 2019.
He was not named in the report, but claims friends and former colleagues were able to identify him as the alleged rapist.
Mr. Lehrmann has consistently maintained his innocence.