Ben Roberts-Smith quits Channel Seven after losing defamation ‘trial of the century’
Ben Roberts-Smith leaves Channel Seven – where he was a senior executive – after losing ‘trial of the century’ defamation funded by billionaire owner
- Ben Roberts-Smith loses defamation case against Nine
- Judge found that he had committed war crimes in Afghanistan
- Ex-soldier has resigned from Seven Network
Ben Roberts-Smith has resigned from his senior position at the Seven Network after losing his landmark defamation suit against Nine newspapers.
Mr Roberts-Smith had been managing director of Seven Queensland since 2015 and his lawsuit was funded by Kerry Stokes, owner of Seven West Media.
Federal Court Judge Anthony Beskanko dismissed Mr Roberts-Smith’s action on Thursday after finding Nine’s war crimes charges against him to be essentially true.
Justice Besanko discovered that the 44-year-old was complicit in the murder of three prisoners while serving in the Special Air Service in Afghanistan.
Seven’s managing director and chief executive officer, James Warburton, has told staff that Mr Roberts-Smith has tendered his resignation, according to Guardian Australia.
Ben Roberts-Smith has resigned from the Seven Network after losing his defamation suit against Nine Newspapers
“As you all know, the verdict in the defamation case was handed down yesterday,” Mr Warburton said in an email.
‘Ben was on leave while the case was running and has tendered his resignation today, which we have accepted.
“We thank Ben for his commitment to Seven and wish him all the best.”
Australia’s most decorated living soldier was not in court on Thursday when Judge Besanko made his decision.
Instead, he was photographed 4,000 miles away, basking in swimmers on a lounger by the pool at a $500-a-night luxury resort in Bali.
Mr Stokes was reportedly blindsided by the absence of Mr Roberts-Smith, who had made a rapid rise through the ranks of Seven after leaving the army.
The billionaire said after Judge Besanko’s ruling that he “hadn’t had a chance to talk to Ben yet, but I will when he’s had a chance to absorb the verdict fully.”