Read the old Lisa Wilkinson tweet that PROVES she was very much aware that talking about Brittany Higgins in public could have dire ‘consequences’ – before disastrous Logies speech

An old tweet by Lisa Wilkinson proves she was aware that speaking about the Brittany Higgins rape case could have ‘dire consequences’ for the trial.

Ms Higgins’ accused rapist Bruce Lehrmann was granted a temporary stay in the ACT Supreme Court on Tuesday after his lawyer said a jury trial would be ‘untenable’ after Ms Wilkinson’s Logies speech.

A tweet that has resurfaced from August last year shows The Project host asking social media users not to discuss the allegations.

‘I implore everyone to respect what’s in play here,’ she wrote.

‘Naming the man on social media and passing judgement could have dire consequences for the outcome of any trial.’

Brittany Higgins’ accused rapist Bruce Lehrmann was granted a temporary stay in the ACT Supreme Court on Tuesday after his lawyer said a jury trial would be ‘untenable’ after Lisa Wilkinson’s Logies speech.

An old tweet made by Lisa Wilkinson proves she was aware that speaking about the Brittany Higgins rape case could lead to ‘dire consequences’ for the trial

Lehrmann has pleaded not guilty to assaulting Ms Higgins inside an office in Parliament House in 2019 and was due to stand trial next Monday.

But after Ms Wilkinson accepted her award and gave her now infamous speech, ACT Chief Justice Lucy McCallum agreed through ‘gritted teeth’ to delay the trial for several months.

Justice McCallum told the court that recent media publicity had prejudged Lehrmann’s right to a fair trial.

‘The case has accordingly attracted a level of attention in the media … that while not unprecedented, is certainly extreme,’ she said on Tuesday.

‘Extensive media reporting of alleged criminal conduct is not mischievous in itself.

Ms Wilkinson is pictured with Ms Higgins. Wilkinson won a Logie for her reporting on Ms Higgins’ claim that she was raped in Parliament House

‘What is a potential mischief is media reporting of such issues in such a way … it impacts the criminal case.’ 

No date has been set for the trial, but the judge said she wants it to be held this year, with an October listing probably providing enough time for publicity to dissipate. 

Justice McCallum slammed Wilkinson’s speech, saying the line between an allegation and the finding of guilt was ‘completely obliterated’ by what she said. 

Wilkinson won a Logie for her reporting on Ms Higgins’ claim that she was raped in Parliament House. 

‘Your honour, this speech did not need to be made,’ Lehrmann’s barrister Steve Whybrow said.  

Mr Whybrow launched the stay application on Tuesday, following Wilkinson’s speech.

He said a temporary stay – essentially, a delay – was the only recourse to allow for a fair trial so ‘adverse publicity can dissipate’.

‘It’s untenable in my submission for a trial to be held under these circumstances at this time,’ he said. 

The Supreme Court was told Wilkinson would be called as a witness at the trial. 

A Network 10 spokesperson said they supported Ms Wilkinson.

‘Network 10 acknowledges the ruling by Chief Justice McCallum and fully supports Lisa Wilkinson. 

‘Both Network 10 and Lisa Wilkinson take their legal obligations very seriously, including in the preparation and delivery of her speech given at the Logies event. In light of the continuing proceedings, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.’ 

Bruce Lehrmann (pictured), is charged with sexual intercourse without consent. He has pleaded not guilty to assaulting Brittany Higgins at Parliament House in Canberra