Network Ten has been ordered to pay journalist Lisa Wilkinson more than $1 million to cover her legal costs in the Bruce Lehrmann defamation case.
Lehrmann, who had sued Ten and Wilkinson for defamation after an interview with Brittany Higgins, claimed the interview damaged his reputation over allegations of rape at Parliament House.
Lehrmann’s criminal trial ended with no verdict due to juror misconduct.
He has consistently maintained his innocence. However, in a defamation ruling last year, Justice Michael Lee found that on the balance of probabilities, Lehrmann had raped Higgins.
Lehrmann is appealing the decision.
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In a separate matter, Wilkinson and Ten have been negotiating her legal costs.
Court documents show Ten has already paid her $558,548. The total indemnity has now been set at $1,150,000, with Ten required to pay the remaining balance by March 19.
Wilkinson initially sought $1.8 million for her legal representation, which included hiring prominent barrister Sue Chrysanthou. A court-appointed referee later assessed her legal costs, including billable hours and other fees.
The case is not yet fully resolved.
Last year, Justice Lee ordered Lehrmann to pay Ten $2 million, but his lawyers told the court that they worked pro bono and he lacks funds to pay.
Lehrmann’s appeal of that ruling will be heard later this year.