Bruce Lehrmann defamation case: Lisa Wilkinson, Network Ten agree to $1.15 million settlement for legal costs

Lisa Wilkinson and Network Ten have reached a settlement agreement of $1.15 million for legal costs arising from a failed defamation case raised by former Liberal staffer Bruce Lehrmann.

The Federal Court was told on Monday that Network Ten had agreed to pay Wilkinson $1.15 million.

“Network Ten and Ms Wilkinson have agreed that the total amount payable by Network Ten to Ms Wilkinson in respect of the indemnity for her costs incurred in the proceeding against her by Mr Lehrmann is $1,150,000.00.”

The settlement brings to an end the lengthy stand-off between the two parties following the dismissal of a defamation case.

Lehrmann raised the multimillion-dollar defamation case after Network Ten aired an interview on The Project with Wilkinson and Lehrmann’s former colleague Brittany Higgins, where allegations were made that he raped her.

In 2024, Federal Court Justice Michael dismissed Lehrmann defamation case, determining that he raped Ms Higgins based on the balance of probability.

The case was not a prosecution of Lehrmann, instead only dealing with defamation.

Lehrmann has appealed the findings of the case.

Wilkinson has already received some funds from Network Ten, previously being paid $558,548 covering a portion of legal costs, with the remainder set to be paid within weeks.

“The due date for payment by Network Ten to Lisa Wilkinson of the remaining amount of $591,451.70 is 19 March 2025,” the orders say of the parties’ out-of-court agreement.

Powerhouse barrister Sue Chrysanthou, SC, represented Wilkinson in the drawn-out stand-off.