Media rivals Nine, Seven, Fairfax, News Corp, Macquarie Media and the ABC have been knocked back in their attempt to fight against Hollywood star Rebel Wilson’s record $4.5 million defamation payout.
The media organisations announced in February their intention to unite in the Victorian Supreme Court’s Court of Appeal in a case they argue has “serious implications” for freedom of speech in Australia.
Wilson was last year awarded Australia’s highest defamation damages figure, with the court ruling that Bauer Media painted her as a "serial liar" in a number of articles.
Bauer Media attempted to appeal the payout arguing it was inconsistent with previous defamation awards, which usually do not exceed the $389,500 statutory cap.
The $4.5m payout came as a shock to media experts, breaking all records for defamation cases in Australia.
The media organisations wer ordered to pay Rebel Wilson’s legal costs in defending the unsuccessful bid.
Wilson took to Twitter to gloat about her court win, questioning why the six media companies would want to side with the "guilty" Bauer Media.
She added that she has no "negative feelings" towards Seven, Nine ABC, Fairfax, News Corp and Macquarie Media.
https://twitter.com/RebelWilson/status/976622946826338304
https://twitter.com/RebelWilson/status/976624037173411840
https://twitter.com/RebelWilson/status/976624651068583936
https://twitter.com/RebelWilson/status/976625770847133696
https://twitter.com/RebelWilson/status/976627049593884673
https://twitter.com/RebelWilson/status/976627107924131840
https://twitter.com/RebelWilson/status/976628343649923072
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