Network Ten has slapped Bruce Lehrmann with a $2 million bill over the latter’s failed defamation action in the Federal Court of Australia.
The Federal Court found Mr Lehrmann did rape former Liberal party staffer Britanny Higgins, earlier this year.
Mr Lehrmann sued Network 10 and its former journalist Lisa Wilkinson, alleging he was defamed when the network’s interview with Ms Higgins was aired in 2021.
Despite not being named, Mr Lehrmann alleged he was identified as the former Liberal party staffer who Ms Higgins accused raped her in federal Senator Linda Reynolds’ Canberra office in 2019.
Network 10 and Ms Wilkinson claimed there was substantial truth to the allegations, which was held up by Federal Court judge Michael Lee in April.
The media channel is seeking a lump sum costs order of $2 million, being a 35 per cent discount on its total costs, according to an affidavit filed by law firm Thomson Geer.
The affidavit revealed Network 10 estimated its total recoverable costs of the proceedings at $3.1 million.
More than 1,000 hours has been billed by Thomson Geer partner Marlia Saunders, whose hourly rate comes to $730.
Network 10 also engaged senior counsel Matt Collins, who has a daily rate of $11,000, according to the affidavit.
Ms Higgins made her her allegations public through a televised interview with Network 10's The Project segment, with Ms Wilkinson.
A criminal trial over the sexual assault allegations against Mr Lehrmann commenced but was aborted because of juror misconduct.
Last year, Mr Lehrmann launched a defamation action against Network 10 and Ms Wilkinson in the Federal Court.
Mr Lehrmann also alleged Ms Wilkinson’s speech at the 2022 Logies Awards carried defamatory imputations against him.
In April, Justice Lee told the court having escaped the lion’s den, Mr Lehrmann made the mistake of going back for his hat.
"He has now been found in a civil standard of proof to have engaged in a great wrong. It follows Ms Higgins has been proven to be a victim of sexual assault,” he said.
