Former Labor leader Mark Latham has addressed a startling claim by his ex-girlfriend Nathalie Matthews, confirming that he defecated on her but asserting it was at her request. The independent New South Wales upper house MP detailed the couple’s relationship in a 13-page affidavit submitted to Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court on July 31.
The affidavit, which has been obtained by the Sunday Telegraph, includes Latham’s account of their relationship dynamics, where he insists that the interactions were consensual and devoid of coercion. “Ms Matthews and myself participated in an entirely consensual, open sexual and social arrangement free of coercion, intimidation and harassment,” Latham stated in the document.
Claims and Counterclaims
Latham’s affidavit confirms some of the graphic claims made in Matthews’ prior application for an Apprehended Violence Order (AVO), yet he firmly denies any allegations of abuse. He describes a scenario where Matthews requested the act for her sexual gratification, stating, “She asked me to s*** on her in the bathroom once because it turned her on. I did that but said we wouldn’t be doing it again.”
In contrast, Matthews’ application for a restraining order paints a different picture. She alleges Latham engaged in a “sustained pattern” of psychological, financial, and emotional abuse throughout their nearly three-year relationship. Her claims include the defecation incident as part of a broader pattern of abusive behavior.
Context and Background
Mark Latham, who served as the federal Labor Opposition Leader from 2003 to 2005, has had a tumultuous political career. After losing the 2004 federal election to then-Prime Minister John Howard, Latham retired from politics in 2005. He later joined the Liberal Democratic Party in 2017, only to be expelled and subsequently join One Nation’s NSW branch in 2018. His tenure there ended in 2023, and he now serves as an Independent.
Nathalie Matthews, described as the managing director of Skynet Global Logistics, first made her allegations public in an application for a restraining order against Latham. The couple began dating in 2023 and ended their relationship earlier this year.
Public and Legal Reactions
The affidavit submitted by Latham offers a starkly different narrative, suggesting that Matthews was a “highly powered sexual woman” who knew her desires and how to fulfill them. He claims that the role play dynamics of their relationship were initiated by Matthews herself, allowing her to “orgasm multiple times.”
Latham has denied all accusations of abuse, asserting that he possesses “scores of documents” that would vindicate him. He maintains that their sex life was “fantastic” and consensual.
“Throughout our relationship, the defendant engaged in a sustained pattern of emotional, physical, sexual, psychological, and financial abuse, including defecating on me before sex and refusing to let me wash,” Matthews wrote in her court application.
Implications and Next Steps
The conflicting narratives presented by Latham and Matthews highlight the complexities often involved in cases of alleged domestic abuse, where the line between consensual and coercive behavior can be contentious. The matter is set to return to court next month, where more details are expected to emerge.
As the legal proceedings continue, the public remains divided, with opinions varying widely on the credibility of the claims and counterclaims. The case underscores the importance of thorough legal scrutiny and the challenges faced by individuals in high-profile positions when personal and professional lives intersect.
Both parties have been contacted for further comment, but as of now, the legal process will determine the veracity of the allegations and the subsequent consequences for those involved.
