Witness Paid $700,000 to Silence Allegations Against Reporter Nick McKenzie

Nine paid $700,000 in hush money to a woman, known as Person 17, to prevent her from revealing allegations against star reporter Nick McKenzie, just before an appeal in Ben Roberts-Smith’s war crime defamation case. The payment followed explosive emails from Person 17 accusing McKenzie of unethical behavior and improper access to legal strategies. A secret recording surfaced in which McKenzie admitted breaching ethics regarding this information. Although Nine sought a 50-year suppression order on the deal, a Federal Court judge lifted it following media challenges.

Want More Context? 🔎