Court throws out media companies’ attempt to join Rebel Wilson defamation appeal
The Victorian Court of Appeal has rejected a united attempt by media companies to join Bauer Media in their appeal against last year’s $4.5 million defamation award to Rebel Wilson.
The attempt saw Fairfax, News, Nine Entertainment, Seven West and the ABC join Bauer’s appeal against the judgement claiming it exceeded the legal cap for defamation payouts and that the ruling had implications for free speech in Australia.
I do not support the ABC joining this application.
Was the agreement to join in name only?
Are there financial implications for the ABC?
I would have thought that there are other more effective ways to protect free speech than supporting this application.