Sacked Seven reporter launches legal action
Veteran journalist Robert Ovadia has launched legal action against Channel Seven and its news boss Anthony De Ceglie after claiming he was unlawfully sacked.
The well-known news reporter was let go from the network on June 21st, following allegations of "inappropriate behaviour", with the alleged conduct reportedly including the exchange of messages with a female colleague four years ago.
Seven management only became aware of the allegedly inappropriate exchange when it was reportedly brought to their attention by the ABC’s Four Corners program, which was working on an investigation into allegations of a toxic culture at Seven.
Now, reports from The Australian claim the journalist lodged paperwork with the Fair Work Commission last month just days after being axed.
Ovadia's lawyer John Laxon has confirmed to news.com.au that a general protections application has been lodged seeking orders of compensation for his dismissal, reinstatement to his job and pecuniary penalties.
The reporter, who worked at Seven for 23 years, has previously said any suggestion of inappropriate behaviour was “false, malicious and will be defended”.
A Seven spokesperson told The Australian it took “very seriously any allegations in relation to sexual harassment, bullying and other behaviours deemed to be inappropriate within the workplace”.
“We take complaints seriously, manage them confidentially and deal with any breaches decisively.”
Image credits: Seven