Former Liberal staffer dropped by pals in group chat after rape claims

Mates dropped out of group chats and minimize off contact with ex-Liberal staffer Bruce Lehrmann after Brittany Higgins’ rape allegations aired in a high-profile TV interview.

The previous federal Liberal staffer rejected the allegation he raped Higgins in a Parliament Home workplace whereas giving proof beneath oath for the primary time on Thursday.

Lehrmann is suing Community Ten and journalist Lisa Wilkinson within the Federal court docket over a February 2021 report on The Challenge that featured an interview with Higgins.

The regulation scholar advised the court docket he was ostracised by pals and blocked and unfriended on social media after the rape allegations aired, regardless of the very fact he was not named within the TV report.

Lehrmann mentioned following The Challenge broadcast somebody posted a picture of a purple “eject” button in a Fb chat with Nationals state and federal staffers earlier than each different member of the group left.

A screenshot of the group chat and the “eject” message had been launched amongst a sequence of displays by the court docket.

Different screenshots present two different individuals leaving a special Fb messenger group.

Lehrmann was additionally faraway from a gaggle chat known as “The Triumvirate”.

Throughout Wednesday’s listening to, Lehrmann mentioned he turned “severely remoted” after the allegations had been aired.

“De-friending, slicing me off, eradicating me from group chats, blocking me, the listing goes on,” he mentioned.

“I shut down my Fb, my Instagram, my Twitter, LinkedIn as properly.

“It despatched me right into a deep spiral.”

However different texts launched by the court docket at present confirmed some pals providing assist.

“As a mate, I have to name you brother,” one buddy mentioned.

“Simply thought I would let you recognize I do not imagine something floating round on the market,” one other wrote within the days after the story broke.

Higgins claims Lehrmann sexually assaulted her within the workplace of their then-boss, former defence trade minister Linda Reynolds, within the early hours of March 22, 2019.

The felony trial within the ACT Supreme Courtroom over Higgins’ rape allegations was derailed by juror misconduct and prosecutors didn’t search a second trial due to considerations over her psychological well being.

Lehrmann has at all times denied the allegations.