Sam and Brittany Groth Fight Back Against “Malicious Gossip” in the Media
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So, there’s been a pretty explosive situation unfolding in Victorian politics involving Liberal deputy leader Sam Groth and his wife, Brittany. You might recognize Sam as a former tennis pro, but now he’s in the headlines for something far more personal—and serious. He and Brittany are threatening legal action against News Corp over a couple of stories that ran in the Herald Sun and were echoed across other News Corp outlets like the Daily Telegraph and Courier Mail .
Now, what’s got them so furious? According to their lawyers, these articles crossed a major line—not just in terms of defamation, but in violating Brittany’s privacy under Australia’s newly introduced tort laws. These privacy laws only came into effect last month, and this could become a landmark test case for how they’re applied.
The articles suggested that Sam and Brittany began their relationship when she was a teenager—17 at the time—while he was in a position of authority, allegedly coaching her at a tennis club. That kind of implication carries serious legal and moral weight, especially given the power dynamics and age difference involved. What’s worse, according to the Groths' legal team, is that this information was never properly investigated and essentially amounts to unverified, harmful gossip.
Their lawyers didn't hold back in a formal concerns notice—they called the reporting “worse than gutter journalism” and accused the outlets of publishing stories that weren’t even close to being actual journalism. They’re demanding that all related articles and social media posts be removed by 5 PM Wednesday and that the Herald Sun publish a full public apology admitting that what was printed was defamatory, false, and deeply improper.
Sam Groth spoke out, calling the coverage “a shock and a disgrace.” He said it wasn’t just about clearing their names—it was about setting a precedent that media outlets can’t get away with this kind of invasive, reckless reporting. He was especially upset about how it affected Brittany, calling it an attack on her privacy and dignity as a woman and a mother.
Politicians on both sides have chimed in. Premier Jacinta Allan stayed neutral, saying families shouldn’t be dragged into politics. But others were more direct. Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas pointed out that any adult in a position of influence dating a teenager is problematic, period.
So, what happens next? If this goes to court, it’ll be a major test of those new privacy laws, especially around how much protection individuals really have when it comes to personal information and public interest journalism. One thing’s clear: the Groths aren’t backing down, and this story isn’t going away anytime soon.
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