Victorian Opposition Leader John Pesutto has issued a public apology after settling two defamation cases brought against him by activists Kellie-Jay Keen and Angie Jones.
The women were pursuing him over comments he made after they were involved in an anti-trans rights rally on the steps of state parliament in March 2023 called “Let Women Speak”.
The event was gatecrashed by Neo-Nazis who performed the Nazi salute multiple times.
MP Moira Deeming’s involvement in the “Let Women Speak” rally led to her suspension and eventual expulsion from the Liberal party.
Overnight, he released a statement saying he never believed or intended to assert that Kellie-Jay Keen and Angie Jones were Neo-Nazis.
He said it was also now clear from public statements made by Ms Keen and Ms Jones that they shared his belief that Nazism was odious and contemptible.
“I recognise that there have been times when my comments could have more clearly differentiated between the organisers of the 18 March 2023 Let Women Speak Rally and the Neo-Nazis who attended the steps of Parliament House on that day,” Mr Pesutto said.
“As far as my comments may have been misunderstood as conveying that I believed this to be the case, I apologise for any hurt, distress or harm that has occurred.”
Mr Pesutto described Ms Keen and Ms Jones as passionate women’s rights activists with long histories of advocacy in Australia and internationally.
“I agree with them that genuine community concerns regarding women’s safety and access to single-sex spaces, services and sport warrant meaningful public discussion,” he said.
“I condemn the use of threats, intimidation and abusive language, particularly misogynistic, vile and explicit language that has no place in our society.”
Ms Keen said she was delighted Mr Pesutto had offered “such a full and magnanimous apology”.
“I hope women throughout Australia should feel a little safer speaking about their fears in public,” she said.
Mr Pesutto continued to face defamation action brought by exiled liberal MP Moira Deeming.
Source: Victorian Liberal leader John Pesutto apologises after settling two defamation cases – ABC News
A defamation action against the ABC appears warranted on this report. It was a women’s rights rally. The ABC mischaracterises the rally in a way that is defamatory.
Surprised no damages were paid. Particularly for KJK given what happened in New Zealand. Both women are incredibly gracious to accept his apology.
This made my day!!!! As well as women around the world, I’m sure! Standing up for your rights is as anti Nazi as you can get. I think Bob Marley would agree. “So now you’ve seen the light eh? You’ve got to stand up for your rights!”