Edwards argues twoA Current Affairbroadcasts in May and June 2021,and their associated online stories,defamed her by making numerous incorrect claims,including that she is “a thief who stole Oscar the cavoodle”.
Nine denies Edwards was defamed in the broadcasts,but if the court disagrees,the broadcaster will argue the defences of truth and contextual truth.
Gillespie told the court he bought Oscar the cavoodle in 2016 and introduced the dog to Edwards and her husband Kenneth Flavell,with the couple agreeing to sometimes look after the dog.
He said the dog regularly stayed with Edwards and her husband and described Oscar’s lavish lifestyle,including wearing clothing,attracting a following on Instagram,and winning a competition to appear in the operaLa Boheme,for which the cavoodle wore a tuxedo.
Gillespie said Edwards threw a party on the day of Oscar’s starring role and seemed to spare no expense,with French macarons,a photoshoot and a stretch limousine.
He said tension emerged when he took a contract to work on cruise ships and informed Edwards and Flavell that he would be leaving Oscar with relatives at Wingello in the NSW Southern Highlands.