MELBOURNE, Australia AUSTRALIA – Australia’s defense minister on Friday settled a defamation suit following reports of a woman being raped in Parliament House and agreed to pay compensation to a former aide she called a “lying cow”.
The minister, Linda Reynolds, a former aide, withdrew remarks made privately by Brittany Higgins’ lawyers, seeking a public apology from Mrs Reynolds for “diminishing and belting” remarks. According to local news reports, the letter called the comment “a disgrace to our client’s good character and reputation.”
Last week, Ms. Reynolds formally apologized and said that he had met Ms. Higgins’ account was never questioned. On friday In a short public statement, The minister withdrew the remark, saying it was not “intended” to be made public.
“I don’t mean to imply that he’s understood,” Ms. Reynolds said.
It was not immediately clear if Ms. How much Reynolds agrees to pay compensation. In a text message, the minister’s office declined to disclose the amount. Mr. Higgins did not immediately respond to calls or text messages seeking clarification. But she Said in a statement Which will be donated to help survivors of sexual assault with more damage than the cost of its legal fees.
Ms. Higgins said last month that he was attacked by a co-worker in the minister’s office two years ago, when he met Ms. Reynolds worked as a media consultant. Ms. Higgins said after she told the minister and other staff members what had happened, she felt she would lose her job if she reported it to police and she felt unsupported by Mrs. Reynolds. Ms Higgins has since lodged a formal complaint with the Australian Australian Police.
She also said that days after she was attacked, she was interrogated by Mrs. Reynolds in her own well.
Last week, news.com.au reported that the defense minister had asked Ms. After Higgins came forward, Ms. Higgins was called the “wrong guy.” Some staff members raised concerns at the time, and Mrs. Reynolds apologized to them, saying it was a “stressful time,” according to News.com.
Ms. Higgins said that about him Ms. Reynolds’ language is “further evidence of the toxic workplace culture behind closed doors in Parliament.”
In response to Friday’s retreat, Ms. Higgins said in a statement: “I’m glad the minister has now withdrawn his remarks and I apologize.” He added, “This has been a very challenging time for me and I want to reiterate that the only reason I chose to come forward is to help others.”
