Fired Seven reporter Robert Ovadia has filed a lawsuit in federal court against the network and its news chief, months after he was fired amid allegations of inappropriate behavior.
Mr Ovadia, who has worked at Seven for more than 20 years, was made redundant in June.
At the time, the network reported that an investigation was underway into allegations of inappropriate behavior by Mr Ovadia, which he strongly denies.
On Friday evening, Mr Ovadia filed a lawsuit in the Federal Court against Seven Network and its news chief Anthony De Ceglie.
He is represented by John Laxon of Sydney-based law firm Laxon Lex.
An attempt was made to contact Mr Laxon on Sunday evening.
“Seven cannot comment on the legal proceedings now brought by Mr Ovadia in the Federal Court, other than to say that Seven will defend its position in this matter,” a Seven spokeswoman said.
‘As previously stated, Robert Ovadia no longer works at Seven.’
Former Channel Seven journalist Robert Ovadia is suing his former network and news boss in federal court
‘Seven takes allegations of behavior that is considered inappropriate in the workplace very seriously.
‘We treat allegations confidentially and pursue any proven wrongdoing vigorously.’
Mr Ovadia, a two-time Walkley Award winner, was a veteran presenter at the network and worked as an investigative journalist and stand-in presenter in the Sydney newsroom before being made redundant.
In his own statement in response to Seven’s announcement of the investigation, Mr Ovadia said he would defend the “malicious” allegations.
“Seven has told me that no current or former colleagues have filed a complaint against me,” he said.
‘As far as I know, I have not been fired by the company.
“Any suggestion that I have behaved inappropriately at any time is false, malicious and will be defended.”
The veteran, award-winning TV reporter was sacked in June after Seven confirmed it had launched an investigation into allegations of inappropriate behaviour
On his Instagram profile, Mr Ovadia shared expressions of support from several colleagues following the announcement of the investigation.
In a message he shared with his final story, he thanked him for his “professional guidance, warmth and kindness.”
Another calls him “one of my biggest supporters throughout my journalistic career.”
“His respectful, honest and kind nature made him not only a trusted mentor, but also a good friend I could always call on for advice,” the post continued.
“He was a true gentleman to me and to the many young women he worked with. He always showed the utmost respect and professionalism.”
