Journalist Lisa Wilkinson returned for a second day of questioning on Friday as Bruce Lehrmann seeks damages from her and Network Ten over the allegedly defamatory news segment broadcast in February 2021.

In that interview, Ms Higgins alleged Lehrmann pinned her down and raped her on the couch of their then boss Senator Linda Reynolds in March 2019.

Lehrmann has always denied the allegation, saying that no sexual contact or intimacy occurred.

Grilling Ten producer Angus Llewellyn and Wilkinson since Monday in the Federal Court, Lehrmann’s lawyers have suggested the report on The Project was poorly researched and Ms Higgins’ claims were believed without proper analysis or investigation.

Lehrmann’s barrister Matthew Richardson SC has suggested Ms Higgins used a “conspiratorial” tone in her interviews with The Project team which showed she was an unreliable witness.

This proposition was dismissed by Wilkinson on Thursday.

She also rejected the barrister’s claims she was thrilled by the commercial appeal of their exclusive show instead of being interested in challenging Ms Higgins’ allegations.

Both Wilkinson and Mr Llewellyn have stood by their reporting and its accuracy as well as the behind-the-scenes steps they took to ensure what Ms Higgins said was verified.

Lehrmann was charged in August 2021 over the alleged rape, but his trial in the ACT Supreme Court was derailed by juror misconduct.

Prosecutors did not seek a second trial, citing concerns for Ms Higgins’ mental health.

Lehrmann is also before Queensland courts accused of raping another woman twice in Toowoomba in October 2021.

He has not entered a plea, but his lawyers have indicated he denies the charges.

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