Trolls have launched a stinging attack on rape victim Brittany Higgins following her marriage to David Sharaz in an intimate ceremony in Queensland.
Ms Higgins was awarded $2.4 million in compensation from the Commonwealth in December 2022 after alleging she was raped by partner Bruce Lehrmann inside a ministerial office.
A civil court found, on the balance of probabilities, that Lehrmann raped Ms. Higgins.
Nearly seven weeks after the sentencing, on the eve of Mrs. Higgins’ big day, Lehrmann decided to appeal that decision, sparking criticism from women’s rights activists who questioned the timing of the move.
Now Higgins is back in the line of fire, with critics criticizing the cost of her wedding day and questioning whether taxpayers funded the ceremony through the compensation payment she received.
Trolls have launched a stinging attack on rape victim Brittany Higgins after she tied the knot in an intimate ceremony in Queensland.
The payment she received was made up of several components, primarily loss of future income and earning capacity, medical expenses, legal costs, domestic assistance costs and $400,000 “for pain, anguish and humiliation.”
She and Sharaz moved to a small town in France after facing intense public and media scrutiny in Australia, but returned to their home state of Queensland for their wedding.
Following the big day on Saturday, trolls took to social media to ask whether taxpayers had funded the lavish wedding celebrations.
They alleged that Ms Higgins had used her compensation payment to fund the event.
However, it is not clear whether Ms Higgins paid, or whether her parents or anyone else could have footed the wedding bill.
“Of course she’s glowing – Australian taxpayers paid for the wedding,” said one commenter in response to the wedding news.
Another posted on social media: ‘Higgins and Shiraz are getting married in a six-figure wedding. It’s quite expensive for two people who don’t work.
Another added: “Even Judge Michael Lee, who presided over the defamation trial, said his payout was based on his series of lies about a government cover-up.”
But supporters have been equally critical of the scrutiny Ms Higgins was subjected to on her wedding day.
“You both deserve a wonderful, happy life,” said another.
‘I hope this day is a beautiful celebration of your life and future together. These past few years have been very challenging and this celebration is well deserved.”
Set in nine acres of landscaped gardens, The Valley Estate is the “epitome of luxury,” according to its website.
“A unique, bespoke space designed to inspire celebration and reflection with loved ones,” the website reads.
For a Saturday wedding in 2024, the venue charges a minimum spend of $47,750 on all venue offerings.
According to the current price list, packages start at $35,750 for 50 guests and go up to $52,000 for 100 guests.
This includes the ceremony venue, reception space, and basic food and beverage packages.
Couples have exclusive access to the entire property for wedding photos and golf carts to get around, as well as lawn games, security and a wedding coordinator, according to a brochure.
The exorbitant expense does not include use of the guest house, which costs $1,300 a night from Friday to Sunday. Couples can also add an oyster bar for an additional $28 per person, or a seafood table for $60 per person.
For a Saturday wedding in 2024, the venue charges a minimum spend of $47,750 on all venue offerings.
A champagne tower costs $650 for five tiers and $950 for six, while the upgraded beverage package, which includes a selection of cocktails and spritzes as well as premium spirits, costs an additional $200 per person.
The minimum expense does not include any outside expenses, meaning the cost of a photographer, celebrant, flowers or outfits for the couple would have to be paid in addition to the $47,750 minimum.
The average cost of a wedding in Australia can range from $25,000 to $65,000, but the cost of Ms Higgins’ wedding has been estimated at around $100,000.
No politicians or celebrities attended the wedding, but former sex discrimination commissioner Kate Jenkins was present, along with television producer Judi McCrossin, who acquired the production rights to Ms Higgins’ unpublished memoirs.
Higgins’ wedding date was revealed in the Washington Supreme Court last week amid Linda Reynolds’ defamation case against her for social media posts that she claims damaged her reputation.
Outside court last week, Ms Reynolds’ lawyer, Martin Bennett, said he made an application to obtain a copy of documentation relating to a trust account in her name.
The application will attempt to determine who is the administrator and who to sue if Higgins says he cannot pay damages if he loses the case.
Last month, Sharaz withdrew from Ms Reynolds’ defamation suit against him because he could not afford it.
He has been ordered to pay Ms Reynolds’ legal fees. If she declares bankruptcy, she may not be able to return to France.
