Reynolds actions Higgins defamation suit

The Western Australian senator is suing Brittany Higgins over two social media posts as well as claiming the former staffer breached a non-disparagement clause from 2021.

Lawyers for Ms Reynolds confirmed last month that Ms Higgins had been issued a concerns notice threatening defamation action, with the statement of claim detailing the allegations surfacing in Western Australia's Supreme Court on Monday.

According to the writ obtained by Business News, Ms Reynolds claims the former staffer defamed her via an Instagram story on July 4 and her Twitter account weeks after on July 20.

As well as suing for defamation, the Senator has claimed Ms Higgins breached a non-disparagement clause allegedly contained in a contract between the two of them dating back to March 2021.

The content of Ms Higgin’s Instagram story was in breach of the agreement between she and Ms Reynolds, according to the Senator’s statement of claim.

Ms Reynolds has claimed the posts caused her loss and damage and is as a result seeking damages and an injunction preventing Ms Higgins from publishing further defamatory matter.

The Senator will also seek a declaration that the staffer breached an alleged deed of settlement and release between them, as well as costs for both actions. 

Ms Higgins had in July revealed via Twitter that she was considering legal options after being issued a concerns notice served by Ms Reynolds. 

In January, Ms Reynolds took legal action against Ms Higgins’ fiancé David Sharaz over two tweets she alleged were falsely defamatory of her.