Ben Roberts-Smith resigns from Seven

Ben Roberts-Smith has resigned from Seven, where he has been the general manager of Seven Queensland since 2015.

Guardian Australia reports Seven CEO James Warburton has written to staff:

“As you’re all aware, the judgement in the defamation case was handed down yesterday,” he said.

“Ben has been on leave whilst the case was running, and today has offered his resignation, which we have accepted.

“We thank Ben for his commitment to Seven and wish him all the best.”

Yesterday a count threw out his defamation case brought against Nine-owned newspapers.

Roberts-Smith was hired in 2015 first as Deputy GM for Queensland but quickly became appointed as GM of Seven Queensland then GM of Seven Brisbane.

He stood aside in 2021 to focus on the legal case but was expected to return following the defamation case.

Chairman of Seven West Chairman, who financially assisted Roberts-Smith in his defamation action, said in a statement yesterday, “The judgment does not accord with the man I know. I know this will be particularly hard for Ben, who has always maintained his innocence. That his fellow soldiers have disagreed with each other, this outcome will be the source of additional grief.

“I haven’t had a chance to have a discussion with Ben as yet, but I will when he has had a chance to fully absorb the judgment.”

Roberts-Smith is understood to currently be in Bali.