Controversial Sydney property developer and former Auburn deputy mayor Salim Mehajer has threatened three media companies with “Australia’s largest case of defamation” ever.
In a letter to Fairfax Media, Mehajer’s solicitor, Zenah Osman (who also happens to be his sister, said the property developer will be taking legal action against – but not limited to – Channel Seven, Nine’s A Current Affair and News Corp’s The Daily Telegraph.
“We have now gathered all evidence and material to make submissions to sue collectively for $103 million,” the letter said.
“Whilst this will be our biggest case ever, we confirm we have now received payment to kick-start these proceedings.”
The letter also included the following quote from Mehajer:
“Being in the media spotlight is tough and brutal. One must be very patient and enduring. I let the media throw in all the punches for the past 20 months and watched my case build just like a business deal. I think now though, it has reached its peak and it’s time I commenced legal proceedings. All proceeds will be donated to charity.”
Rebel Wilson’s recent defamation win against Bauer Media is is said to be the highest defamation payout in Australian legal history at $4.5 million, with the actress also promising to donate it all to charity. However, Bauer announced shortly after the ruling that it would appeal.