Robert Ovadia takes legal action against Seven over June sacking
Ovadia was sacked after 23 years with the network when an internal investigation was conducted into allegations of inappropriate behaviour.
Robert Ovadia has filed a general protections claim in the Federal Court against his former employer, Channel Seven, and the network's newly-minted news boss, Anthony de Ceglie.
Ovadia is being represented by Laxon Lex’s John Laxon, and is claiming his termination was unlawful. He filed a statement of claim in the federal court on Friday to commence the proceedings.
In June, Ovadia was sacked after 23 years with the network when an internal investigation was conducted into allegations of inappropriate behaviour. He denies the allegations, previously saying he would defend himself against “malicious” allegations.
“Yes, I’ve been sacked and there will be more to say about that in the appropriate forum at the appropriate time,” Ovadia told The Australian at the time.
De Ceglie was promoted to director of news and current affairs in April, replacing Craig McPherson when he stepped down after Seven’s Spotlight program became embroiled in Bruce Lehrmann‘s failed defamation battle against 10 and Lisa Wilkinson.
In a statement, a Seven spokesperson told Mediaweek: “Seven is not in a position to comment on Mr Ovadia commencing legal proceedings as it is now before the Federal Court, other than to say that Seven will defend its position in this matter.”
Tonight, ABC’s Four Corners is due to air an investigation titled Don’t Speak, exploring allegations of “sexism, exploitation and extreme bullying” and looking into the wider culture at Channel Seven.
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Last week, NRL commentator Paul Kent made an unfair dismissal application against News Corp.
In July, Kent was sacked from his commentary jobs with both Fox Sports and News Corp after video of a street brawl was shared on social media. The NRL 360 co-host and Daily Telegraph columnist pleaded guilty to affray after footage showed him being thrown into a tree in Sydney’s Inner West.
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Top image: Robert Ovadia
