Lisa Wilkinson has apologised to ex-MP Andrew Laming for a tweet she made after he was accused of taking an inappropriate photo of a woman.
The former Queensland MP was accused of taking a photo of a woman who accidentally showed her underwear while bending over to fill a fridge in 2019.
Crystal White said the photo was ‘really inappropriate’ because she had been bending over, however Dr Laming insisted the snap was ‘completely dignified’.
Lisa Wilkinson (pictured in Sydney in June) has apologised to ex-senator Andrew Laming for a tweet she made after he was accused of taking an inappropriate photo of a woman
Wilkinson on Sunday apologised for a tweet she made back in March, 2021 (pictured)
Queensland Police found ‘no evidence to indicate a criminal offence’.
Wilkinson on Sunday apologised for a tweet she made back in March, 2021.
‘In March 2021, I published a tweet about Andrew Laming. I now accept that the claim made about Dr Laming in that tweet was false and defamatory,’ she wrote.
‘I unconditionally withdraw that claim and apologise to Dr Laming for any hurt and offence caused to him by reason of my conduct.’
Dr Laming said he felt relieved by Wilkinson’s apology but said he wouldn’t be satisfied until the ‘original publisher’ follows suit.
‘I won’t be truly vindicated until the original publisher of the false allegations takes responsibility or is otherwise held in court,’ he told news.com.au.
The former Liberal National Party backbencher is suing Nine Media for defamation, with the hearing scheduled for the Federal Court in October.
Dr Laming (pictured in May, 2021) said he felt relieved by Wilkinson’s apology but said he wouldn’t be satisfied until the ‘original publisher’ follows suit
‘In March 2021, I published a tweet about Andrew Laming. I now accept that the claim made about Dr Laming in that tweet was false and defamatory,’ Wilkinson tweeted on Sunday
In March of 2019, Dr Laming said he would be stepping down from all parliamentary roles to undergo counselling after allegations of harassment were aired.
‘I will step down from all parliamentary roles effective immediately and complete both the counselling courses I committed to; as well as additional clinical counselling, and ask for privacy while that is completed,’ the statement read.
He has since been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and says daily medication has improved his life.
The former MP said that his diagnosis ‘wasn’t an excuse’ for his actions but that his diagnosis has improved his relationship with his children.
Dr Laming decided to take legal action against the network after Queensland Police found ‘no evidence to indicate a criminal offence’.
Ms White, a Brisbane mother, told Nine News the photo taken of her by Dr Laming was ‘really inappropriate’ because she had been bending over.
She had been placing drinks into a fridge at a landscape supply business.
Dr Laming said the photo simply showed ‘someone trying to fit an impossible amount of stock into a fridge’ and offered to delete it.
Separately, the ex-senator has admitted to trolling two women on social media – with one constituent saying it left her on the brink of suicide.
Separately, Dr Laming (pictured) has admitted to trolling two women on social media – with one constituent saying it left her on the brink of suicide
Dr Laming apologised to both women in writing and during a speech to parliament after being hauled into the former Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s office.
‘His comments were not acceptable to both women and also to the Prime Minister,’ a spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office said.
‘Every Australian has the right to feel safe online and Mr Laming has made a commitment to change his online communication practices.’
Dr Laming in March, 2021 said he acknowledged his comments about Brisbane women Alix Russo and Sheena Hewlett left them suffering considerable distress.
‘I want to express my regret and deep apologies for the hurt and the distress that communication may have caused,’ Dr Laming said.
‘I want to retract those comments and issue a public unreserved apology.’
In one Facebook post, Dr Laming accused Ms Russo, a single mother, of misappropriating funds at a homeless charity.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Dr Laming for comment.
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