Body language expert assesses Christian Porter
A body language expert has claimed that the historical rape allegations made against Attorney-General Christian Porter has taken a “heavy toll” on him.
Mr Porter ousted himself as the federal minister accused of raping a 16-year-old girl in 1988, and insists it never happened and he will not stand down from his position.
In a live press conference on Wednesday afternoon, Mr Porter was grilled over the allegations which were investigated by police who closed the case on Tuesday and concluded there was not enough evidence to proceed.
The 50-year-old former public prosecutor said he attended a debating competition at Sydney University with his accuser when he was 17 and she was 16.
He denied however, sleeping with the woman, who has since taken her own life.
Body language and speech expert Michael Kelly said the man came across as “aggrieved” and righteous, but also dejected.
“He gave a genuine presentation of himself and his ideas. He was very measured,” Mr Kelly told Daily Mail Australia.
“But you can tell it has taken a heavy toll on him.”
He went on to say: “His eyes were watery and red, his voice was trembling and he had trouble taking intakes of breath about five minutes in.”
He said Mr Porter showed a wide range of emotions during the 30-minute press conference.
The Attorney-General’s red eyes showed a man harrowed and pained while his grieved facial expression signaled remorse, regret, and resignation, Mr Kelly claimed.
“He’s a public figure accused of some serious allegations and that stress showed through his words, body language and gestures,” Mr Kelly said.
“He showed to be not hiding or covering anything up.”
Mr Kelly also addressed Mr Porter's message to the family of his deceased accuser.
He told them they didn't deserve the frenzied politicisation in the past week of the circumstances of her death.
Mr Porter pleaded with the family to understand why he was deny their loved one's claims of historic sexual assault however didn't want to impose anymore on their grief.
“His pained, facial expression and flushed facial skin (lack of blood to the face) signal that his vitality; some of his life force has been ‘drained’ due to the accusation,” Mr Kelly said.
“Throughout the delivery, there was a thin, tremulous voice signalling remorse, resignation, sorrow and empathy (for the family) about the incident.”
In reference to Mr Porter’s sharp intakes of breath while being grilled by reporters, Mr Kelly said: “He appears frustrated about the position he's in but he doesn't shut them down.”
“His face showed no inconsistencies. If you look at the whole piece, it all fits, there was nothing out of place.
“He’s earnest in trying to do his job.”
Mr Porter has refused to stand down from his position.
“If I stand down from my position as Attorney-General because of an allegation about something that simply did not happen, then any person in Australia can lose their career, their job, their life's work based on nothing more than an accusation that appears in print,” he said.
“My guess is if I were to resign and that set a new standard there wouldn't be much need for an attorney-general anyway because there would be no rule of law left to protect in this country.
“So I will not be part of letting that happen while I am attorney-general and I am sure you will ask and I will state to you, I am not standing down or aside.”
Images: Getty