What was the outcome of Bruce Lehrmann's defamation appeal?

Bruce Lehrmann lost his defamation appeal, with the court upholding the finding that he raped Brittany Higgins.

What is Brittany Higgins' reaction to the appeal decision?

Brittany Higgins expressed significant relief, stating she can 'breathe again' after the legal victory.

What are Bruce Lehrmann's other legal issues?

Bruce Lehrmann is facing car theft charges in Tasmania and is reportedly considering a High Court appeal.

Home / Crime and Justice / Higgins Breathes Sigh of Relief After Appeal Loss

Higgins Breathes Sigh of Relief After Appeal Loss

4 Dec, 2025

•

Summary

Brittany Higgins stated she can 'breathe again' after legal victory.
Bruce Lehrmann lost his defamation appeal against a rape finding.
Lehrmann faces further charges in Tasmania for alleged car theft.

Higgins Breathes Sigh of Relief After Appeal Loss

Brittany Higgins has declared she can 'breathe again' following the dismissal of Bruce Lehrmann's appeal against a defamation ruling. The federal court's full bench upheld Justice Michael Lee's April 2024 finding that Lehrmann, a former Liberal staffer, raped Higgins in Parliament House in 2019. Higgins shared her profound relief on social media, describing the legal process as a re-traumatizing "rape trial" where perpetrators weaponize the system against survivors.

Lehrmann has consistently denied sexually assaulting Higgins. A previous criminal trial in 2022 was halted due to juror misconduct. Despite the appeal loss, Lehrmann is reportedly seeking legal advice for a potential High Court challenge. He was initially ordered to pay $2 million in damages and will now also cover the legal costs of his opponents from the failed appeal.