A man accused of spitting at the alleged rape victim of former NRL star Jarryd Hayne has sued the Seven Network for defamation.
Mina Greiss claims in court documents he was defamed by a 7News article published in May last year detailing "disgusting scenes" outside court during a sexual assault trial against Hayne.
In Seven's report, Mr Greiss was described as a "grub" and a Hayne supporter who spat at the alleged victim in a "vile act".
Seven is accused of falsely reporting that Mr Griess was a despicable person who stared down and spat at the alleged rape victim in an attempt to intimidate her.
7News reporter Leonie Ryan is also being sued in the Federal Court lawsuit.
Mr Griess wants damages and orders removing the article from the 7News website.
He claims the article and related social media posts damaged his reputation, caused hurt, distress and embarrassment, and resulted in anonymous death threats against him.
Ryan is accused of inciting hatred by encouraging her Twitter followers to share the article.
Seven admitted it did not have video footage of the alleged spitting incident, Mr Griess claims, saying CCTV footage from outside the court directly contradicted the media firm's story.
The broadcaster allegedly did not give Mr Griess a chance to deny the spitting allegations before it published the story.
Seven has not responded to a request for comment.
