Labor frontbencher Terri Butler has lashed out at a "hypocritical" lawsuit commenced against her by a Brisbane law student over her remarks on the ABC's Q&A program.

Ms Butler, the opposition's spokeswoman on equality and universities, was accused of a "racist smear" by a fellow panellist for repeating allegations that Queensland University of Technology student Calum Thwaites used the word "niggers" in a Facebook post about campus facilities.

Mr Thwaites, who was one of the defendants in the racial vilification case that was thrown out of court, has maintained he was not responsible for the post. He is now suing Ms Butler for defamation, accusing her of implying that he is a racist, bigot and perjurer, and seeking $150,000 in damages.

In a statement of claim, obtained by Fairfax Media, lawyer Anthony Morris said his client had been "greatly harmed and injured in his personal reputation" and was liable to be harmed in his pursuit of a career as a lawyer as a result of Ms Butler's remarks.