TEN pays fee for Bali interview

TEN has acknowledged it paid a fee for an interview with Bali Nine inmate Renae Lawrence, former prison mate of Schapelle Corby.

A Network TEN spokesperson says it paid a news agency for the interview.

“A small fee was paid to an agency for this interview but no money went to the interviewee or their family.

“The interview had already been filmed. TEN Eyewitness News sent a reporter to Indonesia to verify the interview and the comments made in the interview.”

Earlier this year the Australian Federal Police conducted a raid on the Seven Network as part of a Proceeds of Crime investigation, before the network was cleared in the Federal Court.

Filmed in an Indonesian jail, the report teases “startling revelations about the events that led to Schapelle Corby’s arrest.”

Lawrence answers the questions:

*What was it like living with Corby? It must have been hard sometimes, considering everything?

*Eight years is a long time to know each other. Did she ever tell you secrets? Or do you know any of her secrets?

*Doesn’t she know that she’s very lucky to be free?

*Was there anything else she told you?

TV Tonight understands the interview was also declined by rival networks.

An insider said, “It’s the fish John West rejected.”

TEN screens the interview  tonight in TEN Eyewitness News and The Project.

Corby family statement:

“The Ten Network proposes to air a story today based on an interview with convicted heroin smuggler and Bali 9 member Renae Lawrence. The Ten Network has obtained this interview with Renae Lawrence whilst she is in prison serving a 20 year sentence for smuggling 2.7 kgs of heroin, strapped to her body.

In the interview, Renae Lawrence apparently states that Schapelle Corby confided in her whilst Schapelle was an inmate in Kerobokan Prison. Schapelle did not confide in Renae Lawrence about any matter relating to her arrest in Indonesia/Bali.

The claims by Renae Lawrence that Schapelle confessed to her that she had knowingly smuggled the marijuana in her boogie board bag are false. Schapelle denies ever making any such confession to Renae Lawrence or to anyone else.The further claims by Renae Lawrence that Schapelle had done so on many occasions are preposterous, maliciously false and a creation of her own fantasy.

The actions of the Ten Network in procuring and presumably paying for this interview, are extremely hurtful and are causing Schapelle and our family great anxiety and distress. The credibility of Renae Lawrence should be seriously questioned and unsubstantiated allegations should not be made simply for the sake of ratings and money.”