Seven allegations draw international headlines

Events which played out this week in the Federal Court have already drawn international headlines.

Salacious testimony by former Spotlight producer Taylor Auerbach, many of which remain allegations, have created damaging press for Seven both locally and abroad.

BBC: Australia’s Seven Network denies buying interviewee sex and drugs.

Variety: Drugs and Prostitutes Alleged at Australia’s Seven Network in Bruce Lehrmann Defamation Trial; Broadcaster ‘Appalled’ by Claims.

Independent (UK): Australian TV network denies accusations it paid for sex and drugs to secure interview.

But it remains to be seen how much impact they will have on the central defamation case between Bruce Lehrmann vs Network 10 / Lisa Wilkinson.

Seven has denied all allegations made by its former employee.

A Seven spokesperson said,:

“Seven shares Justice Lee’s concerns about allegations being thrown around like a gatling gun with no opportunity for them to be met.

“Seven again confirms that Mr Auerbach was never offered a promotion or a pay rise in late 2022 or afterwards. As the court heard today, there is nothing to suggest otherwise.

“Seven also wishes to make clear that it never reimbursed Bruce Lehrmann for expenditure that had allegedly been used to pay for illegal drugs or prostitutes. Again, the invoice referred to in court does not suggest this is the case.”

On Thursday an earlier statement said:

“Seven is appalled by the allegations made in recent days. We do not condone the behaviours described in these allegations. They do not reflect the culture of Seven.

“Seven did not offer a promotion or pay rise to Mr Auerbach in November 2022, nor did it do so at any time after that. Seven did not reimburse Bruce Lehrmann for expenditure that has allegedly been used to pay for illegal drugs or prostitutes, and has never done so. Seven notes the matter remains before the courts.

“Seven also takes issue with the allegations recently made about its conduct. Contrary to the claims reported in the media, Seven complied with all of its obligations in relation to producing documents in response to subpoenas issued to it. Seven has at no point asked anyone to delete or destroy any evidence. As previously stated, Seven did not condone or authorise the alleged payments to Mr Lehrmann referred to in the affidavits recently made public. The person involved admitted to the misuse of a Seven corporate card and all unauthorised expenses were immediately reimbursed. Seven has acted appropriately at all times.”

Justice Lee has now adjourned proceedings and hopes to tell parties next week when he will be able to deliver his judgment.