Luke Sayers, former Carlton president and Melbourne businessman, is facing a defamation lawsuit from his estranged wife Cate. The case, filed on Tuesday, centres on a lewd photograph erroneously posted to Sayers' Twitter account in January 2025.
Cate alleges that Sayers implied she was responsible for posting the image and made damaging comments about her mental health during an AFL integrity unit investigation. Sayers had claimed he was hacked, but Cate believes his sworn statement to the AFL harmed her reputation.
The lawsuit could challenge powerful figures in Melbourne, including the so-called AFL boys' club. Sayers is part of a group of wealthy individuals sometimes called the state government's 'approved millionaires club', which includes property developer Max Beck.
Cate was reportedly never contacted during the AFL probe. A spokesperson for Cate confirmed the lawsuit but did not disclose details. Sayers has 28 days to file a defence, and the case is expected to be a high-profile civil trial.
