Overview
- Justice Wendy Abraham rejected Dr Munjed Al Muderis’ allegations of negligent portrayal after finding the published reports were substantially true and in the public interest
- The judgment marks the inaugural court success for Australia’s public interest defence introduced under the 2021 defamation law reforms
- Evidence from dozens of osseointegration patients detailing complications and aftercare concerns underpinned the contextual truth defence
- Legal scholars warn the decision may discourage high-profile defamation suits and offer greater assurance for media outlets to pursue in-depth public interest reporting
- Following Friday’s ruling, Dr Al Muderis expressed disappointment on social media and confirmed he will appeal the Federal Court’s decision