In a segment that has sent shockwaves across the Australian media landscape, prominent conservative commentator Andrew Bolt has launched a vehement on-air defence of Bruce Lehrmann, boldly stating that Brittany Higgins "was not raped in Parliament House."
The controversial host used his platform on Sky News Australia to dissect the high-profile case, directly challenging the widely reported narrative that has dominated headlines for years. Bolt's commentary has instantly polarised viewers, drawing both fierce criticism and support.
A Direct Challenge to the Official Narrative
Bolt’s central argument hinges on the outcome of Bruce Lehrmann's criminal trial. He emphatically noted that the case did not result in a conviction, with the jury deliberations ultimately leading to a mistrial due to juror misconduct. Lehrmann has consistently maintained his innocence, pleading not guilty to one charge of sexual intercourse without consent.
"The trial collapsed. There was no conviction," Bolt asserted during his program, questioning the public and media's treatment of Lehrmann as guilty despite the legal outcome.
Allegations of Media and Political Manipulation
The commentator didn't stop at the legal proceedings. He accused sections of the media and political opponents of exploiting Higgins's allegations for their own gain. Bolt suggested a coordinated effort to damage the previous Coalition government by keeping the story at the forefront of political discourse.
He portrayed Lehrmann as a victim of a powerful media frenzy, arguing that the intense publicity surrounding the case made a fair trial impossible and destroyed the man's reputation regardless of the court's findings.
The Aftermath and Ongoing Legal Wrangling
The segment also touched upon the subsequent multimillion-dollar settlement reached between the Australian government and Brittany Higgins. This settlement, while resolving her claim against the Commonwealth, remains a point of contention and public debate.
Furthermore, Bolt's comments arrive amidst the fallout from a separate, landmark defamation case. Network Ten and journalist Lisa Wilkinson were found to have defamed Bruce Lehrmann in their reporting of the allegations, adding another complex layer to the ongoing saga.
This latest outburst from Andrew Bolt ensures that the Brittany Higgins case, and the questions surrounding it, will remain firmly in the court of public opinion, continuing to spark intense debate about justice, media responsibility, and political accountability.
