Key Takeaways:
- Julian Batchelor is suing TVNZ and Dr. Sanjana Hattotuwa for defamation over an article that described his anti-co-governance pamphlet as "extremely worrying" and "racist rhetoric".
- Businessman Jim Grenon, a director and shareholder of NZME, is financially supporting Batchelor’s case, which he views as a "terrible injustice".
- Former TVNZ presenter Peter Williams testified that he regretted being involved in the case and described Batchelor as a "nutter".
- The court heard conflicting evidence about whether TVNZ reporter Te Aniwa Hurihanganui put Dr. Hattotuwa’s comments to Batchelor during a 9-minute phone call.
- The case continues on Thursday with closing addresses.
Introduction to the Case
The defamation case against TVNZ and Dr. Sanjana Hattotuwa, brought by Julian Batchelor, has taken a dramatic turn with the revelation that businessman Jim Grenon is financially supporting Batchelor’s case. Grenon, a director and shareholder of NZME, contacted Batchelor after the article in question was published and offered to help him take action. Batchelor has stated that he was "shocked" and "hurt" by the article, which described his anti-co-governance pamphlet as "extremely worrying" and "racist rhetoric".
The Article in Question
The article, published in August 2023, focused on Batchelor’s pamphlet, which made claims about a group of Māori elites conspiring to take over the country and described co-governance as the "installation of apartheid" in New Zealand. Dr. Hattotuwa, a research director for The Disinformation Project, was quoted in the article, describing Batchelor’s platforms and pamphlet as "dangerous speech" that "incites hate" and "instigates harm offline". TVNZ is defending the case, with representatives taking the stand to testify that Dr. Hattotuwa’s comments were put to Batchelor and his position was accurately reflected in the article.
Conflicting Evidence
The court heard conflicting evidence about whether TVNZ reporter Te Aniwa Hurihanganui put Dr. Hattotuwa’s comments to Batchelor during a 9-minute phone call. Batchelor claimed that Hurihanganui did not put any of Dr. Hattotuwa’s comments to him, while Hurihanganui testified that she had put the claims of "racist rhetoric" to him. Hurihanganui also stated that she found Batchelor’s answers to her questions "long-winded and confusing" and had to summarize his denials in the article.
Peter Williams’ Testimony
Former TVNZ presenter Peter Williams testified that he regretted being involved in the case and described Batchelor as a "nutter". Williams also stated that he had told Jim Grenon that he regretted being involved in the case, and that Grenon was paying for the whole thing. Williams’ comments were revealed in court, and he has since announced his retirement as a court witness.
Jim Grenon’s Involvement
Grenon’s involvement in the case has raised questions about his motivations and potential conflicts of interest. As a director and shareholder of NZME, Grenon has a significant stake in the media company, which publishes the NZ Herald. Grenon has declined to comment on the case, but his support for Batchelor’s defamation claim has been seen as a significant development in the case.
The Case Continues
The case continues on Thursday with closing addresses. The court will hear final arguments from both sides before making a decision on the defamation claim. The outcome of the case will have significant implications for freedom of speech and the media’s ability to report on controversial issues. The case has also raised questions about the role of wealthy individuals in supporting defamation claims and the potential for conflicts of interest in the media industry.
