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How Moira Deeming and Victorian Liberal leader John Pesutto’s defamation clash unfolded

Victorian Opposition Leader John Pesutto has lost his battle with expelled Liberal MP Moira Deeming, with a judge ruling he did defame her. Justice David O’Callaghan handed down his verdict in the Federal Court today following a three-and-a-half-week trial in September. Deeming had alleged Pesutto defamed her by suggesting or implying she was a Nazi or Nazi sympathiser following the Let Women Speak rally in Melbourne in March 2023, which Pesutto denied.

How Moira Deaming and Victorian Liberal leader John Pessuto's defamation conflict unfolded

Victorian Opposition Leader John Pessuto has lost his legal battle against expelled Liberal MP Moira Dimming after a judge ruled he did defame her. (Joe Armao) After nearly two years of fighting, expelled Liberal MP Moira Dimming has finally won her defamation case against Victorian Opposition Leader John Pessuto. Here’s how the defamation lawsuit went:

  • March 18, 2023: Newly elected Liberal MP Deeming attends a “Let Women Speak” rally on the steps of State Parliament, where some men break into the rally and give the Nazi salute.
  • March 19, 2023: Pessuto decides to expel her from the parliamentary party for her role in the rally.
  • March 27, 2023: Deaming is suspended from the Liberal parliamentary caucus for nine months following a lengthy and emotional party meeting.

How Moira Deaming and Victorian Liberal leader John Pessuto's defamation conflict unfolded

Pessuto allegedly defamed her by suggesting or implying she was a Nazi or Nazi sympathizer following the Let Women Speak rally in Melbourne in March 2023, which he denies. (Joe Armao)

  • May 4, 2023: Pesutto denies anonymous bullying allegations from Liberal colleagues, and several MP allies come to his defence.
  • May 4, 2023: Dimin gives Pessuto until 2pm to issue a media statement proving she is not a Nazi or Nazi sympathizer or face legal action.
  • May 7, 2023: Pessuto supports expelling Dimin from the party for the second time after five MPs present a motion to him.
  • May 12, 2023: Deemed to have permanently withdrawn from the parliamentary party.

How Moira Deaming and Victorian Liberal leader John Pessuto's defamation conflict unfolded

Newly elected Liberal MP Ms. Dimming was attending a “Let Women Speak” rally on the steps of State Parliament when some men broke into the rally and gave the Nazi salute. (Channel 9)

  • May 20, 2023: Tensions rise among Liberal Party members over the decision to expel Deeming, with Deeming supporters storming a Liberal Party meeting.
  • May 31, 2024: Deeming’s attorneys send Pesutto a second defamation lawsuit notice.
  • July 15, 2023: In a third letter of concern, Dimin gives Pessuto seven days to respond to the legal ultimatum or face a defamation lawsuit in court.
  • September 6, 2023: The two failed to reach a result in mediation.
  • December 5, 2023: Deeming files defamation lawsuit against Pesutto.
  • May 17, 2024: Pessuto settles two high-profile defamation cases with Let Women Speak rally figures Kellie-Jay Keen and Angie Jones.
  • October 16, 2024: Trial begins with a recording that allegedly contradicts Pesutto’s evidence.
  • October 24, 2024: The weeks-long defamation trial is coming to an end.
  • December 12, 2024: Judge David O’Callaghan renders a ruling, finding that Pesutto defamed Deeming and awards her $300,000 in damages.

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