Mark Latham loses appeal in defamation case over homophobic tweet, must pay Alex Greenwich $140,000
A Federal Court judge dismissed Mark Latham's appeal against a defamation judgment requiring him to pay independent MP Alex Greenwich $140,000 over a 2023 homophobic tweet. The original 2024 ruling found Latham defamed Greenwich through social media posts and newspaper comments depicting him as engaging in "disgusting sexual activities." The case represents a significant legal outcome in Australian defamation law involving allegations of homophobic conduct by a sitting MP.
Federal Court Justice Michael Wheelahan dismissed both Mark Latham's appeal against the defamation judgment and Alex Greenwich's cross-appeal seeking increased damages. The original 2024 determination by Justice David O'Callaghan ordered Latham to pay $100,000 for non-economic loss and $40,000 in aggravated damages. Latham had challenged the finding that his tweet and subsequent comments to the Daily Telegraph defamed Greenwich, but the appeals court upheld the original orders. Greenwich stated the outcome marked the end of a "tough few years" following the 2023 social media post that subjected him to "an avalanche of homophobic hate." Additionally, Greenwich was awarded a further $100,000 in April by the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal for unlawful sexual vilification and harassment related to the same tweet. The parties have been directed to confer on costs and return to court on June 17.
What different sources said
- ABC AustraliaCenter
Mark Latham to pay MP $140k over homophobic tweet as appeal fails
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