Olympian and former politician Nova Peris has filed a lawsuit against conservative commentator Jacinta Price. Ms Peris alleged Ms Price made defamatory comments during a Studio 10 appearance in 2019.
"I have commenced legal proceedings against Jacinta Price for what she said about me on national television," Ms Peris said in a statement to NITV News.
"My lawyers have attempted to resolve this issue, but these attempts were rebuffed. I cannot say any more at this time because the matter is now before the court."
Ms Peris' lawyer, Duncan Fine, said in a statement that the claim before the Supreme Court of Victoria was for defamation, to "repair the damage to her reputation".
Ms Price was asked to appear on Studio 10, which is broadcast by Channel Ten, following a segment debating changing the date of "Australia Day" which aired on January 27, 2019. During this segment, presenter Kerri-Anne Kennerley made remarks about remote communities.
"Has anyone been out to the outback where children, babies, five-year-olds are being raped? Their mothers are being raped. Their sisters are being raped. They get no education. What have you done? Zippo," said Ms Kennerley.
"That's not even faintly true Kerri-Anne, you're sounding quite racist right now," fellow panellist Yumi Stynes responded.
Following the comments, ensuing protests, and media storm, Ms Price was invited to appear on the show two days later, alongside former Greens MP Lidia Thorpe, to discuss with Ms Kennerley the accuracy of her claims.
It was during this segment that Ms Price allegedly made defamatory comments about Ms Peris.
While Ms Price was not available for comment, a spokesperson told NITV News that she wasn't aware of the case against her in the Victorian Court until it was reported in the media on Thursday morning.
When attempts were made to contact Ms Price's previous lawyer, Anthony Morris QC, NITV News was told by a staffer at his firm that "he doesn't hold instruction" for Ms Price.
It remains unclear who now legally represents Ms Price.
