Brittany Higgins is planning to sell her French home in the countryside less than a year after purchasing it to fund the million dollar fight over former Defence Minister Linda Reynolds defamation claim.
In a shock development that hints that the former Liberal staffer is in need of funds despite securing a $2.4 million compensation payout, she has conceded for the first time that what remains of her payout could be decimated by the defamation battle.
A trial could easily cost her over $1,000,000. A judge has repeatedly urged both parties to settle.
If she loses, Ms Higgins could have to pay not only her own legal fees but those of her former employer, Liberal Senator Linda Reynolds, after she alleged she was raped in her ministerial office in 2019.
In theory, a legal defeat could then leave Ms Higgins out of pocket by millions of dollars.
In a statement to news.com.au, Ms Higgins confirmed that she will be forced to sell her French home to pay for defamation lawyers.
Brittany Higgins bought a home in France with her now-husband David Sharaz. Picture: Brittany Higgins/Instagram
The couple moved to France late last year. Picture: Backgrid/news.com.au
“Brittany relocated overseas to heal and escape the online attacks she received, particularly in the wake of the Channel 7 Spotlight program,’’ a spokesperson said.
“This will be Brittany’s third court case and one of numerous legal processes surrounding her rape at Parliament House.
“The legal costs have already amounted to well over a million dollars and will continue to grow with the defamation action brought about by Senator Reynolds.
