Hateful Tweet Costs Former Politician $140,000 In Defamation Case
A recent court ruling has shaken the political landscape in New South Wales, Australia. Mark Latham, the former head of One Nation in NSW, has been ordered to pay $140,000 in damages for a defamatory tweet.
The incident began in March 2023, just after the state election. Latham posted an explicit tweet about Alex Greenwich, an independent state MP known for his advocacy on LGBTQIA+ issues. The Federal Court found that this tweet suggested Greenwich “engages in disgusting sexual activities”.
Social media isn’t a free-for-all
Greenwich, who is gay, took legal action against Latham over the offensive post. The court’s decision came on Wednesday, with Justice David O’Callaghan ordering Latham to pay $100,000 for non-economic loss and an additional $40,000 in aggravated damages.
The tweet in question was Latham’s response to a post quoting Greenwich, who had called him a “disgusting human being”. Latham’s reply described a sexual act in graphic terms, which the court found defamatory.
During the two-day trial in June, the court heard that the tweet led to a flood of homophobic abuse directed at Greenwich. It also reportedly lowered his standing among his supporters.
Latham tried to defend his actions by claiming the tweet was his honest opinion and a response to provocation. He admitted the post was crass and vulgar but denied it harmed Greenwich’s reputation.
The incident drew widespread criticism from across the political spectrum, including from Pauline Hanson, the federal leader of One Nation.
Context matters in legal disputes
This clash between the two politicians happened after violent protests outside a church in Sydney’s southwest. Latham was giving a pre-election speech there in March 2023 when about 250 counter-protesters attacked police and 15 LGBTQIA+ protesters outside the church.
The case will return to court on 25 September for final orders.
