Liberal MP accuses News Corp of political hit job against Sam Groth and wife according to couple’s lawyers
Recent legal battles have emerged surrounding allegations against Sam Groth, the Deputy Leader of the Victorian Liberal Party, regarding his relationship with his wife, Brittany Groth. According to their lawyers, the allegations are characterized as a politically motivated smear campaign.
Key Allegations and Legal Actions
The Groths are suing News Corp, particularly journalist Stephen Drill and Herald Sun editor Sam Weir, for defamation. This lawsuit marks a significant test of newly established laws regarding serious invasions of privacy.
- The allegations suggest the Groths initiated their relationship when Brittany was 16 or 17, and Sam was 23 or 24.
- The couple’s legal team asserts the claims are based on rumors and should not be classified as legitimate news.
Reactions from Politicians
Liberal MP James Newbury has publicly declared the accusations “nothing more than a political hit job.” His statement, which the Groths’ lawyers claim was omitted from published reports, was meant to clarify the baseless nature of the allegations.
Connection to Upcoming Elections
The news articles may have been motivated by political interests, particularly ahead of the 2026 state elections. The defense from HWT suggests that the allegations could be utilized against the Liberal party by political opponents.
- HWT argues that senior Liberal members were aware of concerns regarding the Groths’ relationship before the allegations surfaced.
- There were fears that these concerns about Sam Groth’s relationship could prove detrimental to the party’s electoral success.
Evidence and Timing
HWT claims it began investigating based on tips from a confidential source in late 2024. Furthermore, they present evidence, such as photographs from 2012, to support their timeline of the couple’s relationship.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| December 17, 2012 | Photograph of Sam and Brittany attending a school formal obtained by HWT. |
| April 2012 | Trip to Bali for Brittany’s 18th birthday. |
| July 2024 | Interview with Herald Sun reporter where the couple reiterated their meeting at the tennis club. |
Court Proceedings
The case is poised for its initial case management hearing in the federal court on October 30. Both sides are preparing to outline their positions regarding the validity of the reported allegations and the scope of defamation claims.
This legal dispute has highlighted the interaction between journalism and politics, raising questions about the ethics of reporting in potentially sensitive personal matters.
