UPDATE: Former tennis champion and current Victorian Liberal MP Sam Groth has reached a confidential settlement with the Herald Sun following a legal dispute over allegations regarding the legality of his relationship with his wife, Brittany Groth. The agreement, finalized after mediation talks, comes just ahead of a scheduled trial in May, as legal costs were mounting.
The issue originated from articles published in late July that questioned the timeline of Groth’s relationship with his wife, insinuating potential legal violations under Victorian law. The Herald Sun initially reported that Groth began dating Brittany while coaching at the Templestowe Park tennis club in 2011, when he was in his early twenties and she was a minor, raising serious implications about his conduct.
In a shocking twist, the articles suggested Groth could be classified as a sex offender under Victorian law, leading to strong allegations of defamation by the Groths. The couple claimed the articles not only breached their privacy but also inflicted damage under new federal privacy laws, which allow for claims up to $478,000. The Australian Associated Press (AAP) has been informed that the settlement includes a formal apology from the newspaper and significant compensation.
Legal experts noted that the case had the potential to set a precedent regarding the exemptions for professional journalists in their reporting. During a hearing in Federal Court in October, Groth’s barrister, Sue Chrysanthou SC, emphasized that the articles were “salacious gossip” rather than factual news. She argued, “News is factual information; it is not fiction.”
In contrast, the Herald Sun‘s barrister, Matt Collins KC, contended that their reporting fell under a blanket exemption for journalists preparing news material. The judge, Justice Shaun McElwaine, warned that the losing party could face substantial financial repercussions.
As part of the settlement, the controversial articles have been removed from the Herald Sun website, and relevant social media posts are expected to be deleted as well. The Groths have not yet commented on the outcome, and News Corp Australia has also been approached for a statement.
Next Steps: As the legal landscape surrounding media practices and privacy continues to evolve, observers will be watching closely for any legislative changes or further developments stemming from this case. The settlement marks a significant moment for public figures and their rights to privacy in media reporting.
This urgent news serves as a critical reminder of the ongoing tension between the media’s right to report and individuals’ rights to privacy. Share this story to keep others informed about the implications of this high-profile settlement.
