Luke Sayers: Reputation Restoration Efforts and Defamation Lawsuit
Former PwC chief Luke Sayers is engaged in efforts to restore his public reputation following the posting of a male genitalia photo on his X account last year. This incident has led to a defamation lawsuit filed by his estranged wife, Cate Sayers.
Support Network and Strategic Gatherings
A private lunch was held by Sayers last year, reportedly attended by approximately 25 influential figures. This gathering aimed to show support for Sayers amid the controversy. Notable attendees included former Victorian Premier Dan Andrews, former Qantas CEO Alan Joyce, former AFL head Gil McLachlan, and sports personality Eddie McGuire. Sayers' broader business network also includes prominent figures like former federal treasurer Josh Frydenberg and various investors in his consultancy, Tenet Advisory (formerly Sayers Group).
The Controversial X Post and Immediate Fallout
In January of the previous year, a male genitalia image appeared on Sayers' X account for approximately 10 minutes. Sayers denied posting the image, asserting his account was compromised by a hack.
Following the incident, Sayers resigned as president of the Carlton AFL Football Club, and his consultancy business was rebranded.
AFL Findings and Escalating Family Conflict
An AFL investigation concluded that Sayers had not breached AFL rules and that his account had been compromised by an individual other than himself. Despite the AFL's findings, the matter escalated into a family dispute.
Cate Sayers subsequently filed a defamation lawsuit against Luke Sayers. She alleges he implied she was responsible for posting the image and made damaging claims about her mental health during the AFL investigation.
Two of their daughters have publicly supported their father, indicating the dispute is part of a complex family history with differing accounts.
The Path Ahead: Legal Proceedings
Luke Sayers is expected to file a statement of defence in response to his wife's statement of claim, which remains sealed by the court. Both Luke and Cate Sayers deny responsibility for posting the image.
Recent reports suggest Cate Sayers was 250 kilometers away from her estranged husband when the image was posted. The upcoming legal proceedings are anticipated to provide further clarity regarding the origin of the X post.