An explicit tweet sent by then-NSW One Nation head Mark Latham has been ruled defamatory, with the Federal Court ordering he pay $140,000 in damages.
The tweet stemmed from a heated online argument with independent NSW MP Alex Greenwich and conveyed the meaning that he "engages in disgusting sexual activities", the court was told.
Greenwich, who is gay and is a vocal advocate for LGBTIQ+ issues, sent in March of that year, days after the NSW election. Greenwich described the tweet as "defamatory and homophobic".
On Wednesday, the court ordered Latham to pay Greenwich $100,000 in damages for non-economic loss and a further $40,000 in aggravated damages.
The former One Nation state leader's post described a sex act in explicit terms and was in response to a post quoting Greenwich describing him as a "disgusting human being".
Independent MP Alex Greenwich sued Mark Latham over the tweet last year. Source: AAP / /
Justice David O'Callaghan ruled the comments made to the Daily Telegraph were not defamatory.
During a two-day trial in June, the judge heard Greenwich was subjected to a torrent of homophobic abuse from people on social media following Latham's post, while Greenwich's standing with those sympathetic to him was lowered.
In his defence, Latham claimed the post was his honest opinion and a response to provocation started by Greenwich.
He has admitted the tweet was crass, offensive and vulgar but denied it defamed the independent MP or ruined his reputation.
The graphic post was widely criticised across the political spectrum, including by One Nation federal leader Pauline Hanson.
The online sparring match between the two politicians followed violent protests outside a church in Sydney's south-west, where Latham was giving a pre-election speech in March 2023.
About 250 mostly male counter-protesters violently attacked police and 15 LGBTIQ+ protesters who had set themselves up outside the Belfield church.
The matter will return to court on 25 September for final orders.
LGBTIQ+ Australians seeking support with mental health can contact QLife on 1800 184 527 or visit . also has a list of support services.
