Former Seven News journalist Robert Ovadia has lodged an unfair dismissal claim against both network and news boss Anthony De Ceglie.
Last month he confirmed to media he had been sacked by the network after 23 years over allegations of inappropriate conduct. No formal complaint has been lodged against him, nor been reported as proven.
High-profile employment and media lawyer John Laxon tells The Australian, “A general protections application against the Seven Network and Anthony De Ceglie has been filed.”
It reports Ovadia is seeking orders of compensation for his dismissal, reinstatement to his job and pecuniary penalties.
Seven management reportedly only became aware of the exchange when it was brought to their attention by Four Corners, which is working on an investigation into allegations of a toxic culture.
A Seven spokesman told The Australian: “Seven takes 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.”
Ovadia joined Seven News in 2000, just after the 2000 Olympic Games.