David Sharaz, husband of Brittany Higgins, has expressed his concerns regarding an upcoming event featuring Justice Michael Lee. Justice Lee, who presided over Bruce Lehrmann’s defamation case, will be speaking at a Women in Media national conference on August 9, in a session promising insights into media and law. Sharaz, however, is worried that the talk might touch on the high-profile defamation case. Sharaz, known for his involvement in his wife’s legal battles, has questioned the event organizers about this potential topic. David Sharaz, who is 33 years old, is reportedly involved in various media engagements and his net worth is estimated to be around $1 million.
What Is the Event About?
Justice Michael Lee has accepted an invitation to participate in a ‘candid conversation’ with Ita Buttrose, former ABC chair, at a Women in Media national conference. The event, scheduled for August 9, charges $495 per head. According to the conference’s website, the session will delve into the intersection of media and law, focusing on themes of truth and trust. The advertisement for the event highlights Justice Lee’s reputation for handling complex legal cases and promises a discussion on critical issues affecting both media and judicial landscapes.
Why Is David Sharaz Concerned?
David Sharaz’s concern revolves around the possibility of Justice Lee discussing Bruce Lehrmann’s defamation case during the event. Sharaz, who was criticized in Justice Lee’s judgment, fired off an angry message to the event organizers. He asked if Justice Lee would refrain from discussing the Lehrmann case, which has significantly contributed to his public profile. Women in Media responded that the judge would be discussing the broader themes of media, law, and society, without any specific expectation to talk about the Lehrmann case.
What Was the Outcome of Lehrmann’s Defamation Case?
In April, Justice Lee delivered his judgment in Bruce Lehrmann’s defamation case against Network Ten and journalist Lisa Wilkinson. Lehrmann was accused of raping Brittany Higgins, a former colleague, in Parliament House in 2019. Justice Lee found, on a balance of probabilities, that Lehrmann had committed the act as described by Higgins during her 2021 interview with Wilkinson on The Project. The judgment also criticized Sharaz, stating that he had reinforced a conspiratorial and political theme in Higgins’ claims.
How Did Sharaz Influence Higgins’ Narrative?
The judgment detailed how David Sharaz played a crucial role in shaping Brittany Higgins’ narrative. Sharaz was responsible for initiating contact with Lisa Wilkinson and framing the story with a conspiracy angle. In January 2020, Sharaz sent Wilkinson an email titled ‘Me Too, Liberal Party, Project Pitch’, suggesting a governmental conspiracy. He outlined a timeline of events in another email titled ‘everything you need’, reinforcing the idea of a cover-up involving Liberal Party members.
What Was Wilkinson’s Role?
Lisa Wilkinson, a prominent journalist, was selected by Sharaz to tell Higgins’ story. Wilkinson referred to the situation as an ‘extraordinary cover-up’ involving Higgins’ former bosses, senators Linda Reynolds and Michaelia Cash. She played a significant role in bringing the story to the public’s attention, working closely with Sharaz, who acted as a conduit and co-author of the timeline of Higgins’ assault.
How Did Justice Lee View Sharaz’s Involvement?
Justice Lee’s judgment was critical of David Sharaz’s involvement in shaping Higgins’ narrative. He did not accept Higgins’ claim that she wrote the timeline document alone, noting instances where she referred to herself in the third person. This, according to Lee, indicated Sharaz’s significant influence over the narrative presented to the media.
What Can Be Expected from the Event?
While David Sharaz’s concerns are understandable given his personal involvement in the case, the Women in Media event organizers have assured that Justice Lee will focus on the broader themes of media, law, and society. The discussion is expected to provide insights into the intersection of these fields without delving into specific cases like Lehrmann’s defamation trial.
How Has This Issue Affected Sharaz and Higgins?
The public scrutiny and legal battles have undoubtedly impacted both David Sharaz and Brittany Higgins. Sharaz’s active role in the media and legal proceedings has kept him in the public eye, often leading to criticism and controversy. Brittany Higgins, who has been vocal about her experience, continues to face challenges as her case remains a topic of public and legal discourse.
