Higgins’ fiance breaks his silence on rape

Brittany Higgins’ partner David Sharaz has responded after a court declared Bruce Lehrmann a rapist and dismissed his defamation case against Network 10 and Lisa Wilkinson.

However Ms Higgins herself has remained silent on social media.

In one of the most anticipated judgments in recent memory, Justice Michael Lee found - on the balance of probabilities - that Lehrmann raped Ms Higgins inside Parliament House in March 2019.

Ms Higgins appeared as the star witness for Channel 10 and Ms Wilkinson after Lehrmann sued over her The Project interview in February 2021 in which she alleged she had been raped inside Parliament House.

Shortly after the judgment on Monday afternoon, Mr Sharaz posted a series of Instagram stories with screenshots of news stories and headlines.

Ms Higgins did not post to social media or issue any formal statement in the hours after the judgment, nor did Mr Lehrmann.

Outside court, Ms Wilkinson stopped to address media, and said she hoped the judgment would “give strength” to women around the country.

“Throughout every step of this process I have been surrounded by the love of my wonderful family as well as incredibly supportive friends and family,” Ms Wilkinson said.

“I just want to say how grateful I am for all the generous members of the public who have approached me almost everyday to express, often through tears, their unwavering support.”

Network 10, in a statement, hailed the judgment as a “triumph for truth” and a “vindication” for Ms Higgins.

“Justice Lee’s judgment is vindication for the courageous Brittany Higgins who gave a voice to women across the nation,” the network said in a statement.

“Network 10 is considering Justice Lee’s 324-page judgment. It is clear however that Australia’s defamation laws remain highly restrictive.

“When put to the test, it was always our obligation to inform the public of these important social and political matters notwithstanding the challenges presented by these laws and today’s judgment vindicates the telling of Brittany’s story.”