Controversial politician Mark Latham has been ordered to pay $140,000 to an independent New South Wales MP over a sexually explicit tweet now deemed defamatory.
An explicit tweet sent by the then NSW One Nation leader Mark Latham was found to be defamatory and he was ordered by the Federal Court to pay $140,000 in damages.
The tweet arose from a heated online argument with independent state MP Alex Greenwich and conveyed the meaning that he “engages in disgusting sexual activities”, the court was told.
Mr Greenwich, who is gay and a vocal advocate for LGBTQI issues, sued Mr Latham over the tweet sent in March 2023, days after the state election.
On Wednesday, the court ordered Latham to pay Greenwich $100,000 in damages for non-economic losses and another $40,000 in aggravated damages.
The former One Nation state leader’s tweet described a sexual act in explicit terms and was in response to a post quoting Greenwich describing him as a “disgusting human being”.
The independent Sydney MP also claimed he was defamed by comments Latham made to the Daily Telegraph in April 2023.
Judge David O’Callaghan ruled that the comments made to the Daily Telegraph were not defamatory.
An explicit tweet sent by the then NSW One Nation leader Mark Latham was found to be defamatory and he was ordered by the Federal Court to pay $140,000 in damages.
During a two-day trial in June, the judge heard that the post unleashed a torrent of abuse against Greenwich from homophobes, while damaging his reputation among his sympathisers.
In his defence, Mr Latham claimed the post was his honest opinion and a response to the provocation initiated by Mr Greenwich.
He admitted the tweet was rude, offensive and vulgar, but denied it defamed the independent MP or ruined his reputation.
The graphic post was widely criticised across the political spectrum, including One Nation federal leader Pauline Hanson.
The court ordered Mr Latham to pay Mr Greenwich $100,000 in damages for non-economic losses and a further $40,000 in aggravated damages.
The online clash between the two politicians came after violent protests outside a church in Sydney’s southwest, where Latham was giving a speech ahead of the March 2023 election.
Around 250 counter-protesters, mostly men, violently attacked police and 15 LGBTQI protesters who had gathered outside Belfield Church.
The matter will return to court on September 25 for final orders.
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