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Friendlyjordies settles defamation suit with former Australian politician John Barilaro
The former deputy premier of Australia’s New South Wales has settled a defamation case against popular YouTube comedian Jordan Shanks
The former deputy premier, Mr John Barilaro settled a defamation case against YouTube comedian Jordan Shanks on Friday.
Barilaro was suing Shanks, known on social media as friendlyjordies, in the Federal Court over a series of videos published last year.
The barrister of the YouTube comedian, Matt Collins QC, read out a statement on behalf of Mr Shanks, after the court heard the matter has been settled.
“Freedom of expression for political communication is important, but Mr Shanks accepts that some of the videos posted were offensive to Mr Barilaro,” he said.
he said.
Meanwhile in a social media statement, the solicitor of Jordan Shanks stated that no damages had or will be paid to Mr Barilaro and no video content published online will be taken down.
“Our client will not be paying a single cent in damages to Mr Barilaro. Not one video will be taken down,”
Mr Davis said.
“Mr Shanks understands that Mr Barilaro has been hurt and apologises to him for that hurt.”
Reports state that the costs from previous court hearings equated to about $100,000 – although none of that will go to the former deputy premier.
