Mark Latham ordered to pay $140,000 for defamatory tweet in Australia

Mark Latham, the former leader of One Nation in New South Wales, has been ordered by the Federal Court to pay $140,000 in damages to independent MP Alex Greenwich due to a defamatory tweet. The tweet, sent in March 2023 during a heated exchange, suggested that Greenwich engaged in 'disgusting sexual activities.' This incident occurred shortly after the state election and followed a contentious political climate, including protests related to LGBTQI issues. The court's ruling included $100,000 in damages and an additional $40,000 for aggravated damages, highlighting the tweet's impact on Greenwich's reputation. The judge noted that the explicit nature of the tweet led to a significant backlash against Greenwich, damaging his standing among supporters. Latham's defense claimed the tweet was an honest opinion in response to provocation, although he acknowledged its crassness. The controversy surrounding the tweet was further fueled by comments made by Latham to the Daily Telegraph, which Greenwich also claimed were defamatory. However, the court ruled those comments did not meet the threshold for defamation. The case reflects broader societal tensions regarding LGBTQI rights and political discourse in Australia. The matter is set to return to court on September 25 for final orders, indicating that the legal ramifications of this incident may continue to unfold. The case has drawn criticism from various political figures, including Latham's own party leader, underscoring the divisive nature of the comments and the ongoing debate over acceptable political rhetoric.