Will we see Lisa Wilkinson back on TV soon? The reason behind her hiatus revealed!
In a surprising turn of events, beloved television presenter Lisa Wilkinson is reportedly not expected to return to our TV screens until early 2024, amidst her ongoing involvement in the Brittany Higgins/Bruce Lehrmann legal saga.
Lisa Wilkinson has long had a successful career in the Australian television industry, gracing our screens with her charm, wit, and undeniable talent. However, recent news suggests that the seasoned presenter will be taking a longer than expected break.
As per reports, Wilkinson stepped down from her role on Channel Ten's The Project in November and is now 'unlikely' to reappear on-air 'until early 2024' —-quite a lengthy period of absence for such a prominent figure in Australian media. Regardless, she will still continue to receive her full-time salary, keeping her name in the limelight.
This hiatus from our screens can be attributed to Lisa Wilkinson's name surfacing in the ongoing board of inquiry led by former judge Walter Sofronoff KC. The inquiry is investigating the ACT criminal justice system, with specific emphasis on the terminated Lehrmann criminal trial.
A matter of concern is Wilkinson's speech at the Logies last year, during which she publicly praised Brittany Higgins. It was later alleged that ACT Director of Public Prosecutions, Shane Drumgold, had advised her against delivering the speech, a claim Wilkinson disputes.
In response to these developments, television and radio industry expert Peter Ford commented on Wilkinson's current status, stating she is 'Australia's highest paid TV star at $44,000 a week and she's not actually doing anything on camera.' Ford predicts that this legal entanglement involving the Higgins interview could spell the end of her tenure on Channel Ten and perhaps even her career as a major TV star.
The embattled network is now waiting for the Brittany Higgins/Bruce Lehrmann legal proceedings to conclude before potentially reconsidering Wilkinson’s on-screen future. It is important to note that Wilkinson and Ten are being sued for defamation by Lehrmann over Wilkinson’s high-profile interview with Higgins. In this interview, Higgins alleged she was raped by a 'male colleague' in Parliament House in 2019.
Higgins initially decided to stay silent on the matter for fear of repercussions to her career, and it was only in the wake of the global #MeToo movement that she came forward to share her story with the Australian people.
This case has ignited a fierce national debate around transparency, accountability and safety in the workplace for young female staffers. It has revealed a highly misogynistic and patriarchal culture within the halls of Parliament and sparked a much-needed investigation into the underlying issues which have contributed to this situation, including ingrained rape culture and the disregard for the insurance and wellbeing of young female employees.
The investigative process is currently being headed by former judge Walter Sofronoff KC. It involves a board of inquiry that will review all aspects of the case in order to provide more insight and clarity.
Whether or not Wilkinson’s career can recover remains to be seen, as the outcome of the board of inquiry could have major implications for the future of Wilkinson's career in television. Until then, we eagerly wait to see what the final ruling will be.
As we keenly await more updates on this unfolding story, we here at the Seniors Discount Club sincerely hope for a fair resolution to the ongoing inquiry, and ultimately, we would love to see Lisa Wilkinson return to our screens once again—in due course.
Members, what are your thoughts on this story? How does the profound national debate ignited by the Brittany Higgins/Bruce Lehrmann case, make you feel? Share your thoughts in the comments down below; we’re all ears.
Lisa Wilkinson has long had a successful career in the Australian television industry, gracing our screens with her charm, wit, and undeniable talent. However, recent news suggests that the seasoned presenter will be taking a longer than expected break.
As per reports, Wilkinson stepped down from her role on Channel Ten's The Project in November and is now 'unlikely' to reappear on-air 'until early 2024' —-quite a lengthy period of absence for such a prominent figure in Australian media. Regardless, she will still continue to receive her full-time salary, keeping her name in the limelight.
This hiatus from our screens can be attributed to Lisa Wilkinson's name surfacing in the ongoing board of inquiry led by former judge Walter Sofronoff KC. The inquiry is investigating the ACT criminal justice system, with specific emphasis on the terminated Lehrmann criminal trial.
A matter of concern is Wilkinson's speech at the Logies last year, during which she publicly praised Brittany Higgins. It was later alleged that ACT Director of Public Prosecutions, Shane Drumgold, had advised her against delivering the speech, a claim Wilkinson disputes.
In response to these developments, television and radio industry expert Peter Ford commented on Wilkinson's current status, stating she is 'Australia's highest paid TV star at $44,000 a week and she's not actually doing anything on camera.' Ford predicts that this legal entanglement involving the Higgins interview could spell the end of her tenure on Channel Ten and perhaps even her career as a major TV star.
The embattled network is now waiting for the Brittany Higgins/Bruce Lehrmann legal proceedings to conclude before potentially reconsidering Wilkinson’s on-screen future. It is important to note that Wilkinson and Ten are being sued for defamation by Lehrmann over Wilkinson’s high-profile interview with Higgins. In this interview, Higgins alleged she was raped by a 'male colleague' in Parliament House in 2019.
Background on the Brittany Higgins Case
The Brittany Higgins saga is an ongoing criminal and political case that has captivated the nation since it first emerged in February 2021. It centres around a then 24-year-old political advisor, Brittany Higgins, who alleges that she was raped inside the office of then-Defence Minister Linda Reynolds in March 2019.Higgins initially decided to stay silent on the matter for fear of repercussions to her career, and it was only in the wake of the global #MeToo movement that she came forward to share her story with the Australian people.
This case has ignited a fierce national debate around transparency, accountability and safety in the workplace for young female staffers. It has revealed a highly misogynistic and patriarchal culture within the halls of Parliament and sparked a much-needed investigation into the underlying issues which have contributed to this situation, including ingrained rape culture and the disregard for the insurance and wellbeing of young female employees.
The investigative process is currently being headed by former judge Walter Sofronoff KC. It involves a board of inquiry that will review all aspects of the case in order to provide more insight and clarity.
Whether or not Wilkinson’s career can recover remains to be seen, as the outcome of the board of inquiry could have major implications for the future of Wilkinson's career in television. Until then, we eagerly wait to see what the final ruling will be.
Key Takeaways
- Lisa Wilkinson is unlikely to return to TV screens until early 2024 amid her involvement in the Brittany Higgins/Bruce Lehrmann legal saga.
- The veteran television presenter will still be paid a full-time salary despite not being on screen.
- Wilkinson's name has been mentioned in the ongoing board of inquiry investigating the ACT criminal justice system.
- Television and radio industry expert Peter Ford suggests Wilkinson may not return to the Ten Network due to the legal fallout from her interview with Ms Higgins.
Members, what are your thoughts on this story? How does the profound national debate ignited by the Brittany Higgins/Bruce Lehrmann case, make you feel? Share your thoughts in the comments down below; we’re all ears.
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