URGENT UPDATE: Brittany Higgins is facing imminent bankruptcy proceedings in the Federal Court today, as former Liberal Senator Linda Reynolds seeks to claim over $1 million in damages. This dramatic escalation follows Higgins’ recent decision to drop her appeal against Reynolds’ defamation victory.
Reynolds has filed a creditors petition against Higgins, which could result in a court ruling allowing a trustee in bankruptcy to assume control of Higgins’ financial affairs. Reports indicate that Higgins is not expected to appear in court today in Perth, raising questions about her response to the claims.
If the court approves Reynolds’ request, a trustee would manage Higgins’ financial matters, with Reynolds recognized as a creditor. This follows a ruling by the Western Australian Supreme Court that found Higgins had defamed Reynolds through a series of social media posts. In a significant twist, the court also held Higgins’ husband, David Sharaz, jointly liable for damages due to his involvement in disseminating a defamatory tweet and Instagram story.
As the situation develops, Reynolds is actively pursuing both Higgins and Sharaz for damages and legal fees, making today’s court proceedings critical. Sharaz is also under scrutiny and is scheduled for a hearing in December regarding his financial obligations linked to this case.
Higgins has not publicly responded to the latest developments, and attempts to reach her for comment have been unsuccessful. As this story unfolds, it raises serious implications not only for Higgins but also for the legal landscape surrounding defamation cases in Australia.
Stay tuned for updates as this situation continues to evolve.
