Higgins says it's 'time to heal' in first statement since Lehrmann defamation ruling

Brittany Higgins has released a lengthy statement after a judge found Bruce Lehrmann raped her in Parliament House.

Federal Court Justice Michael Lee ruled against Lehrmann on Monday in his defamation suit against Network Ten and journalist Lisa Wilkinson for airing the allegations, finding on the balance of probabilities a sexual assault took place on a couch in Parliament House in 2019.

Network Ten’s lawyers called the result “vindication” for the broadcaster and its belief and support for Higgins during Lehrmann’s defamation case.

Statement about the Lee Judgement. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/hob6rnANVg

— Brittany Higgins (@BrittHiggins_) April 20, 2024

“I was raped. No judgment was ever going to change this truth,” Higgins said in a statement posted to X, formerly Twitter.

“I lived with shame, humiliation, and fear of what telling my story would mean for my life and career, like so many other victim-survivors.

“For decades, women working in Parliament House have not been heard.

“There was no safe space for them to speak up or raise serious complaints.

“I felt compelled to tell my story.

“Thousands of staff working in Commonwealth Ministerial offices, from every side of politics, came forward and contributed to the Jenkins Review.”

Higgins said stories like hers had shone a light on the conditions that fed such a toxic culture.

“My health, memory and relationships have been impacted by my rape.”

Of the Seven Network’s Spotlight interview with Lehrmann, Higgins said she “was devastated that a rapist was given a nationwide platform to maintain his lies about what had happened”.

“I trust that those who contributed in any way to the program will reflect on their decision,” she wrote.

“Thanks to Justice Lee for his trauma informed approach, recognising that reactions to assault can vary wildly.

Sue Chrysanthou SC hugs Lisa Wilkinson as they emerge from court.

“In doing so, I hope he has set a new precedent for how courts consider the testimonies of victim-survivors of sexual assault.

“While I do not agree with all of Justice Lee’s findings, I do respect his observations about the many people scarred and damaged in the aftermath of my rape.

“All the various people who have been unwittingly wrapped up in years’ worth of media discourse and legal battles in relation to my rape.

“I want to particularly point out to my family, who have been such an incredible support.

“They’ve been so strong, faced a seemingly unrelenting barrage of hate and have consistently held me together at times when I thought I would fall apart.”

Higgins apologised to Senator Linda Reynolds, who as defence minister was her boss when the alleged rape happened.

“Senator Reynolds and Fiona Brown have also been hurt and for that I am also sorry,” Higgins wrote.

“My perceptions and feelings about what happened in the days and weeks after my rape are different from theirs. I deeply regret that we have not yet found common ground.

“I hope we can resolve our differences with a better understanding of each other’s experience.”

Higgins noted the numerous court cases and inquiries into the alleged rape.

“I was 24 when I was raped in Parliament House,” Higgins wrote.

“It has been five years of criminal and civil trials and government inquiries for the truth to finally be heard.

“It is now time to heal.”

In his judgment, Justice Lee said it is more likely than not that Lehrmann’s state of mind was such that he was so intent upon sexual gratification to be indifferent to Higgins’ consent.

“And hence (he) went ahead with sexual intercourse without caring,” Justice Lee said.

“Mr Lehrmann raped Ms Higgins.”

Lehrmann is now facing crippling legal costs after the rape finding.

Both parties have been instructed to apply for costs by Monday.

A defamation case brought by Reynolds against Higgins and fiance David Sharaz is ongoing.