Sacked Seven reporter Robert Ovadia has launched authorized motion within the Federal Court docket in opposition to the community and its information boss months after he was dismissed over allegations of inappropriate behaviour.
Mr Ovadia, who has labored at Seven for greater than 20 years, was dismissed from his function in June.
On the time the community stated an investigation was underway over allegations of inappropriate behaviour by Mr Ovadia, which he strenuously denies.
Late on Friday Mr Ovadia lodged proceedings within the Federal Court docket in opposition to the Seven Community and its information boss, Anthony De Ceglie.
He’s being represented by John Laxon of the Sydney-based agency Laxon Lex.
Makes an attempt had been made to contact Mr Laxon on Sunday night time.
In an announcement, a Seven spokeswoman stated: “Seven will not be ready to touch upon Mr Ovadia commencing authorized proceedings as it’s now earlier than the Federal Court docket, apart from to say that Seven will defend its place on this matter.”
“As beforehand famous, Robert Ovadia now not works at Seven,” the spokeswoman stated.
“Seven takes very significantly any allegations in relation to sexual harassment, bullying and different behaviours deemed to be inappropriate throughout the office.
“We handle allegations confidentially and take care of any substantiated breaches decisively.”
Mr Ovadia, a two-time Walkley winner, is a veteran on-air expertise with the community and was working as an investigative reporter and fill-in presenter within the Sydney newsroom earlier than he was dropped.
In his personal assertion in response to Seven’s announcement of the investigation, Mr Ovadia stated he would defend the “malicious” allegations.
“Seven has instructed me no present or former colleague has made any criticism in opposition to me,” he stated.
“So far as I’m conscious, I’ve not been stood down by the corporate.
“Any suggestion I’ve behaved inappropriately at any time is fake, malicious and might be defended.”
On his Instagram profile, Mr Ovadia shared messages of help from a number of colleagues within the wake of the probe being introduced.
One message, shared to his newest story, thanks him for his “skilled steering, heat and kindness”.
One other acknowledges him for being “one among my largest supporters all through my journalism profession”.
“His respectful, sincere and sort nature has made him not solely a dependable mentor but in addition a superb good friend I might at all times name for recommendation,” the message continues.
“He was a real gentleman to me and to the various younger girls he labored with, persistently demonstrating the utmost respect and professionalism.”
