John Pesutto clarified that he never meant to imply that the activists were neo-Nazis.
Victorian Opposition Leader John Pesutto publicly apologised to two women’s rights advocates after reaching settlements in defamation cases with them.
Former Liberal MP Moira Deeming also participated in the event and delivered her speech.
However, halfway through the event, a group of mask-wearing men in black clothing gatecrashed the event and performed the Nazi salute, forcing the organisers to end the rally prematurely.
Following the incident, Mr. Pesutto swiftly condemned the behavior of the Nazi supporters through a series of comments and later took steps to expel Ms. Deeming from the parliamentary Liberal Party.
These comments led Ms. Keen, Ms. Deeming, and Australian women’s rights activist Angela Jones to initiate defamation proceedings against the state opposition leader in the Federal Court.
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The trio alleged that Mr. Pesutto harmed their reputations by implying they were connected to far-right extremists, including neo-Nazis.
At that time, the Liberal leader expressed his intention to vigorously defend against all defamation lawsuits.
The Apology
On May 17, Mr. Pesutto issued a statement of apology to Ms. Keen and Ms. Jones, clarifying that he did not mean to suggest that the two women’s rights advocates were neo-Nazis.
“It was never my intention to imply that I believed Ms. Keen and Ms. Jones were neo-Nazis, or that they were part of neo-Nazi groups.
“If my comments were misinterpreted as suggesting otherwise, I apologize for any hurt, distress, or harm caused.”
Simultaneously, Mr. Pesutto agreed with the activists on the importance of having meaningful discussions regarding community concerns about women’s safety and access to single-sex spaces, services, and sports.
During a subsequent press briefing, the Victorian opposition leader mentioned that the apology resulted from “constructive discussions” with others.
“I was involved in crafting this statement, and it reflects my beliefs,” he informed the media.
“No damages were paid. A nominal contribution was made towards costs, which is standard practice.
“I, as well as others, contributed to the legal defense.”
Response from Women’s Rights Activists
In a social media video, Ms. Keen described Mr. Pesutto’s statement as a “gracious” apology.
“This is a significant step for Australian women, making them feel safer to discuss the unimaginable things happening to them in the name of progress across Australia,” she articulated.
“This apology will provide women a bit of solace, affirming their right to address the radical transgenderism movement.”
Meanwhile, Ms. Jones thanked Mr. Pesutto for “clarifying the situation.”
Katherine Deves from Alexander Rashidi Lawyers, representing the two activists, conveyed that her clients were satisfied with the resolution.
“They are eager to move forward with their lives and continue their advocacy for women’s sex-based rights,” she shared, as per AAP.
Despite resolving two defamation cases, Mr. Pesutto still faces Ms. Deeming’s lawsuit, scheduled for trial in September.
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