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Report: Spotlight producer Mark Llewellyn departing Seven

Executive producer has hired employment lawyer for negotiations, on the eve of current affairs show return.

7News Spotlight executive producer Mark Lewellyn is reportedly departing the Seven network, following headline-grabbing allegations heard in court last week.

The Australian reports he handed in his company security pass on Wednesday night and will not be returning.

The Sydney Morning Herald has also reported he has hired employment lawyer John Laxon for negotiations.

Mark Lewellyn returned to Seven in 2020 to helm Spotlight specials after two years away with the company, during which he was Creative Director for News and Current Affairs at Nine. He previously co-founded Sunday Night with Adam Boland and as a veteran of 40 years in current affairs has produced 60 Minutes, A Current Affair, Murder Uncovered, Michael Hutchence: The Last Rockstar, Murder Lies & Alibis and breakfast television.

Last week allegations were made in the Federal Court by former producer Taylor Auerbach around expenses spent by Spotlight in securing an interview with Bruce Lehrmann, including reimbursement for the cost of sex workers and cocaine -Seven has strongly denied such while a judge referred to courtroom claims as being thrown around like a “gatling gun” with no opportunity for them to be met.

The findings of the high profile defamation case are due be handed down on Monday morning.

Meanwhile Spotlight returns to screens this Sunday with “The Ozempic Revolution” featuring Ajay Rochester and Roxy Jacenko. It is hosted by Michael Usher alongside Sarah Greenhalgh.

Llewellyn’s departure comes at a time of high profile change in Seven management following the exit of Commercial Director Bruce McWilliam and the impending departure of CEO James Warburton, expected this month.

A Seven spokesperson declined to comment.

Laxon, Llewellyn’s legal representation also declined to comment.

A social media post was published this afternoon…

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