Overview

• WA Supreme Court Justice Paul Tottle ruled that Brittany Higgins defamed former senator Linda Reynolds in multiple social media posts from 2022 and 2023.
• Reynolds was awarded $315,000 in damages plus $26,109.25 in interest, with a July 20, 2022 post upheld as honest opinion, fair comment and qualified privilege.
• The judge found a July 4, 2023 Instagram story and Higgins’ role as publisher of a January 27, 2022 tweet defamatory, while rejecting Reynolds’ broader conspiracy claim.
• A permanent injunction restraining future commentary was refused, and the court found Higgins breached a 2021 settlement deed tied to earlier remarks.
• Reynolds said the ruling vindicated her reputation, Higgins expressed regret for hurt caused, and an appeal remains possible as related legal matters continue.