Taylor Auerbach is suing his former employer over claims Seven Network made disparaging comments about him that led the producer to be shunned and villified, after he gave evidence in the case launched by Lehrmann against Network Ten and journalist Lisa Wilkinson over an interview with Brittany Higgins.
He represented himself before the Federal Court on Tuesday to try striking out his former employer's defence, bring claims against other parties including News Corp, and have Justice Michael Lee - who ruled on the Lehrmann case - subpoenaed.
But he was thoroughly dismissed by Justice Michael Wheelahan.
"In places the applicant's written submissions lack coherence and are difficult to follow," he said in his decision.
"He made unsupported and irrelevant claims of a serious nature."
Auerbach claimed the Lehrmann trial judge made negative remarks about the evidence he gave under cross-examination.
While the 34-year-old said Justice Lee had every right to make his findings, he still attempted to have him summoned to court.
But Auerbach had not shown this evidence would be relevant and failed to show there is any legitimate forensic purpose to justify the subpoena, Justice Wheelahan ruled, meaning any application for a subpoena was "doomed to fail".
The ex-producer also accused lawyers who have acted for Seven, and previously for himself, of lying while claiming the broadcaster and News Corp were "committing a conspiracy and perversion of justice".
"There is no way that a fair trial could be held in Australia this year over the matters that I wish to sue over," he told the Federal Court.
Seven's lawyers denied the claims, while Justice Wheelahan found there was no evidence of any abuse of process by the broadcaster, News Corp or their representatives.
Adding News Corp to the lawsuit was not reasonable because the allegedly defamatory publications had not been specifically named, Justice Wheelahan said.
Auerbach also gave a glimpse into his life since the Lehrmann defamation case as he became entangled in the legal sagas that have engulfed the former Liberal staffer.
"I've tried to become a normal living member of society," he told the court.
"Society told me 'nuh-uh you're the Lehrmann guy'."
Auerbach has previously said Seven footed the bill for a $1000 Thai massage, luxury hotels, expensive dinners and a golf trip in an attempt to secure a tell-all interview with Lehrmann.
In April 2024, the political staffer was ordered to pay $2 million in legal costs to Ten while the network has agreed to cover $1.15 million of Wilkinson's bill.
Lehrmann continues to deny he sexually assaulted Ms Higgins.
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