Liberal MP ‘damaged own reputation’ by organising rally, court told [Video]

Exiled MP Moira Deeming ruined her own reputation by organising and attending a divisive anti-trans rally, according to lawyers acting on behalf of Victorian Liberal leader John Pesutto.

Pesutto’s barrister Matthew Collins KC said the damage was done well before the opposition leader made any comments or moved to expel Deeming from the party.

Collins spent much this morning outlining his case in the defamation trial against Pesutto in the Federal Court of Australia.

John Pesutto and his wife Betty arriving at court. The Age/Simon Schluter (The Age/Simon Schluter)

Deeming claims Pesutto defamed her in media releases, a press conference and broadcast interviews following her attendance at the Let Women Speak rally in March 2023.

That rally was gatecrashed by neo-Nazis who performed the Nazi salute on the steps of the state parliament.

Collins said Deeming had damaged her own reputation by organising and attending the rally, before Pesutto made …