David Sharaz's Texts on Brittany Higgins Case Revealed

In a recent court release of hundreds of texts, David Sharaz revealed his apprehensions about being perceived as the orchestrator behind the media frenzy surrounding Brittany Higgins' rape allegations. Sharaz, who was in close communication with journalist Lisa Maiden during the unfolding events, expressed his fears that Australians might mistakenly attribute the media storm to him. He acknowledged the risks of his social media activity, stating he would have regretted not defending himself. A Federal Court ruling in April found Sharaz accountable for the publicity linked to Higgins' claims, as well as for allegations against the Liberal government regarding their handling of the situation. Following the charges against Bruce Lehrmann in June 2021, Sharaz conveyed to Maiden that he and Higgins felt the government had evaded accountability for their actions. Maiden countered his assertion, insisting that the government had not escaped scrutiny. Sharaz further alleged that the government had previously employed bots to manipulate public perception during the initial stages of the allegations. He expressed concern that such tactics could jeopardize the ongoing criminal case, while also doubting the government's willingness to acknowledge the mishandling of Higgins' assault. His skepticism extended to the independence of the review process regarding the government's actions. Currently, Sharaz and Higgins face a lawsuit from former Minister Linda Reynolds, who claims they have perpetuated false narratives on social media, alleging her involvement in covering up the rape and pressuring Higgins against reporting the assault to authorities.