BREAKING: Former tennis star and current Victorian Liberal MP, Sam Groth, has just reached a confidential settlement with the Herald Sun over a controversial legal dispute regarding his relationship with his wife, Brittany Groth. The legal action, which centered on articles published in late July, questioned the legality of their courtship, prompting Groth to take legal action against one of Australia’s largest newspapers.
The settlement comes after urgent mediation talks, with both parties eager to avoid escalating legal bills ahead of a trial scheduled for May 2024. As part of the agreement, the Herald Sun is expected to issue a public apology and pay compensation in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.
In the initial articles, journalist Stephen Drill suggested that Groth, who was in his early twenties, may have violated Victorian law when he began dating Brittany, then only 16 or 17 years old, while coaching at Templestowe Park Tennis Club in 2011. The stories raised serious concerns, insinuating Groth could be classified as a sex offender under local law.
The Groths alleged that the reports were defamatory and infringed on Brittany’s privacy rights under new federal privacy laws, which allow for damage claims up to $478,000. Their barrister, Sue Chrysanthou SC, argued in Federal Court that the articles constituted “salacious gossip” rather than factual news. “News is factual information, it is not fiction,” she emphasized.
The Herald Sun‘s defense hinged on a public interest claim related to journalism, asserting that their reports fell within a blanket exemption for media outlets. However, McElwaine warned that the ultimate loser in this case would likely face significant financial repercussions.
As details emerge, the articles in question have reportedly been removed from the internet, and related social media posts are also expected to be taken down. The Groths are now looking ahead, as both they and News Corp Australia have been contacted for further comments.
This legal battle highlights the ongoing tension between traditional media practices and emerging privacy laws, setting a potential precedent for future cases involving public figures. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as it unfolds.
