Auerbach’s claims have yet to be tested in court, and Lehrmann will be cross-examined by Lehrmann’s lawyers this week. In court last year, Lehrmann stated that he had only given an interview to Seven and had not provided any documents as part of an exclusive interview deal signed with the network’s Spotlight program. Ten alleges that Auerbach’s evidence forms the basis of a submission that Lehrmann lied to the court and that leaking the text messages could constitute a contempt of court and abuse of process. The text messages in question were handed over to the Australian Federal Police under a search warrant as part of an investigation into Higgins’ claim that she was sexually assaulted by Lehrmann in Parliament House in 2019.
Lehrmann has consistently maintained his innocence in the face of these allegations. His ACT Supreme Court criminal trial for sexual assault was halted in 2022 due to juror misconduct, and a second trial did not proceed due to concerns about Higgins’ mental health. If Lehrmann did leak the text messages, Ten claims that his actions would breach an implied obligation not to use the material for a purpose unrelated to his criminal trial. A Seven spokesperson stated that the network has never revealed its sources and has no intention of doing so, and cited Lehrmann’s court testimony that he was not the source.
Auerbach has also alleged that Lehrmann received various perks before agreeing to sign an exclusivity deal with Seven, including $10,000 in massages and reimbursement for sex workers and illicit drugs in January 2023. However, Seven has denied these claims. The case surrounding Lehrmann, Auerbach, and the leaked text messages is complex and ongoing, with allegations of contempt of court, abuse of process, and dishonesty swirling around the key players. The upcoming cross-examination of Lehrmann by Lehrmann’s lawyers will be a critical moment in determining the veracity of Auerbach’s claims and Lehrmann’s involvement in the leak of the text messages. The implications of this case could have far-reaching consequences for all involved parties and the Australian legal system as a whole.
