Burrows criticized the $200,000 security demand as a bullying tactic, emphasizing the public interest in allowing Lehrmann to appeal.

As part of his appeal, Lehrmann faces a $200,000 security cost requirement from Network Ten, which he claims is a bullying tactic to prevent him from pursuing his case.

Lehrmann's lawyer, Zali Burrows, stated that her client is too 'scared' to attend court due to the negative public perception surrounding the case.

Network Ten's barrister, Dr. Matt Collins, rejected the bullying claim and argued that it is standard for a successful litigant to seek cost enforcement.

Collins also contended that Lehrmann had a fair trial and should not be granted another opportunity to appeal.

Justice Wendy Abraham has reserved her decision on the appeal, while also questioning the urgency of enforcing the costs order given the potential for bankruptcy.

Lehrmann's appeal includes claims that Justice Lee should not have ruled in favor of Network Ten's substantial truth defense.

Earlier this year, Lehrmann lost a multimillion-dollar defamation lawsuit against Network Ten and presenter Lisa Wilkinson over an interview aired in February 2021.

Bruce Lehrmann is appealing a defamation ruling that found he raped Brittany Higgins at Parliament House, with a judge ordering him to pay $2 million in costs.

Lehrmann has already been served with a bankruptcy notice, but further action will be paused until the court decides on his stay application.

Justice Michael Lee concluded that Lehrmann raped Higgins on a minister’s couch in Parliament House in 2019, a claim that Lehrmann has consistently denied.

Overall, Lehrmann's situation remains precarious as he navigates the legal challenges stemming from the defamation case and its financial implications.