Robert Ovadia files complaint against Seven for unfair dismissal

Former Seven News journalist Robert Ovadia has filed an unfair dismissal claim against the network and its new news director, Anthony De Ceglie.

Ovadia was fired by the network last month following allegations of “inappropriate conduct.”

The crime reporter then engaged high-profile lawyer John Laxon, who confirmed at the weekend: “A general protection application against the Seven Network and Anthony De Ceglie has been filed.”

Ovadia was first placed on leave in June while the network conducted an internal investigation into allegations of inappropriate behaviour involving emails with a former Seven employee.

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“Any suggestion that I was inappropriate at any time is false, malicious and will be defended,” Ovadia said at the time, calling the allegations “malicious.”

In addition to the emails, Ovadia also allegedly responded to a male colleague’s request for “penis pictures” – related to the child sexual assault allegations against former Australian swimming coach Dick Caine, a case Ovadia was covering in court – with an image of “a picture of a flaccid penis,” obtained through a Google search.

Ovadia is seeking compensation and reinstatement to his position, which he held for 23 years.

The court case marks the latest controversy for the Seven Network, which was recently hit by allegations it paid drugs, sex workers and a year’s rent to secure an interview with Bruce Lehrmann, with Spotlight executive producer Mark Llewellyn walking out after telling the court he had “given verbal approval” for the expenses.

Mumbrella has contacted Seven for a statement.