Mark Latham is ordered to pay Alex Greenwich a staggering $140,000 sum over sexually explicit tweet that shocked Australia
Controversial politician Mark Latham has been ordered to pay $140,000 to an independent New South Wales MP over a sexually explicit tweet that has now been deemed defamatory.
A graphic tweet by then NSW One Nation chairman Mark Latham has been declared defamatory, with the Federal Court ordering him to pay $140,000 in damages.
The tweet followed a heated online exchange with independent state MP Alex Greenwich and involved Greenwich engaging in “disgusting sexual activity”, the court was told.
Mr Greenwich, who is gay and an advocate for LGBTQI issues, sued Mr Latham over the tweet he sent in March 2023, days after the state election.
On Wednesday, the court ordered that Mr. Latham pay Mr. Greenwich $100,000 in compensatory damages for non-economic damages and an additional $40,000 in aggravated damages.
The former One Nation leader explicitly described a sexual act in his tweet and responded to a message in which Mr Greenwich described him as a “disgusting human being”.
The independent MP for Sydney also claimed he had been defamed over comments Mr Latham made to the Daily Telegraph in April 2023.
Judge David O’Callaghan ruled that the comments in the Daily Telegraph were not defamatory.
An explicit tweet from then NSW One Nation leader Mark Latham has been branded defamatory, with the Federal Court ordering him to pay $140,000 in damages
During a two-day trial in June, the judge heard that the post prompted a flood of abuse from homophobes towards Greenwich while undermining his standing among those who sympathised with him.
In his defence, Mr Latham claimed that the post represented his honest views and was in response to Mr Greenwich’s provocation.
He has admitted the tweet was abusive, insulting and vulgar, but denies it harmed the independent MP or damaged his reputation.
The shocking news was widely criticised by politicians from all walks of life, including Pauline Hanson, leader of the federal One Nation party.
The court ordered that Mr. Latham pay Mr. Greenwich $100,000 in compensatory damages for non-economic damages and an additional $40,000 in aggravated damages.
The online sparring between the two politicians followed violent protests outside a church in Sydney’s south-west where Latham was giving a speech in preparation for the 2023 election.
Around 250 mostly male counter-protesters violently attacked police and 15 LGBTQI protesters who had gathered outside the church in Belfield.
The case will return to court on September 25, when final rulings will be made.
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