TV network denies buying interviewee sex and drugs
By Tiffanie Turnbull
Australia’s most-watched TV network has denied accusations it paid for sex workers and illicit drugs to secure an interview with an alleged rapist.
A former Seven Network producer, Taylor Auerbach, made the allegations while giving evidence in a defamation case.
Bruce Lehrmann is suing another channel, Network 10, over what he says are false claims he raped a colleague.
Seven has faced intense scrutiny over its exclusive with Mr Lehrmann but says it “acted appropriately at all times”.
“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,” a spokesperson said.
The accusations have prompted a last-minute resumption of Mr Lehrmann’s defamation case – likened to a quasi-criminal trial – just two days before the judgement was set to be delivered.
“Let sunlight be the best disinfectant,” Justice Michael Lee said when reopening the defamation case.
