Rann to sue over ‘ridiculous’ Sunday Night story

South Australian Premier Mike Rann says he will sue Channel Seven and New Idea magazine over an interview that alleged he had sex with a married friend, Michelle Chantelois.

He has denied having sex with her, but admits to a “funny and flirty” friendship.

“I have not had sex with her and the idea I would have sex between meetings in my office at Parliament House is so patently ridiculous I thought you would all know that,” Rann told media today.

“The suggestion that I would have sex on a golf course … is absolutely and totally ridiculous.”

He said he was distressed by the story he saw on Sunday Night, which has exploded in the Adelaide media and to media interstate.

“If (my wife) Sasha is comfortable with my friendships then why should anyone else in this state be uncomfortable with them?

“She’s aware of absolutely everything,” he added.

Rann said he also contacted Seven owner Kerry Stokes prior to the interview to find out whether she was being paid by the network.

Sunday Night reporter Mark Riley said this morning said the total sum Ms Chantelois was paid was well under $100,000.

“I have spoken to my lawyers and we will be issuing proceedings to get a retraction,” the premier said.

Chantelois’ estranged husband, Richard Phillips, 55, has been charged by police with assaulting Premier Rann at a Labor Party fundraising dinner last month.

Source: AdelaideNow, The Australian.