Sex, drugs and cock and bull stories – but insiders reveal the only reason Channel Seven’s Spotlight could survive the Bruce Lehrmann scandal

Channel Seven’s scandal-hit Spotlight show returns this weekend, just days after the sex and drugs allegations, as TV insiders reveal how it can survive the controversy.

Spotlight was drawn into the defamation lawsuit against Bruce Lehrmann over claims that it funded wild nights to gain exclusive interview rights with him.

The next episode of the current affairs program will air on Sunday evening, despite network bosses reportedly holding a series of crisis talks over its future.

TV chiefs are said to believe that if Spotlight’s Channel Nine rival 60 Minutes can overcome its infamous ‘Beirut scandal’, then Seven’s Spotlight can also survive this current outrage.

Nine’s reputation was destroyed in 2016 when four 60 Minutes crew, including veteran presenter Tara Brown, were arrested in Lebanon’s capital on kidnapping charges following a botched child recovery mission.

The staffers spent two weeks in jail and were charged with kidnapping, assault, concealing information and criminal conspiracy after being arrested by local authorities.

“That puts things into perspective,” a senior figure at Seven said The Australian.

However, another insider said they were ‘shocked’ that the show was airing and that it had to be ‘saved’ until the drama was over.

Brown and 60 Minutes producer Stephen Rice are pictured arriving home at Sydney airport after spending two weeks behind bars on child abduction charges

Another insider told the publication: “The show must go on.”

“What else can we do?” they said. “We have a ton of content in the can and it’s ready to go.

“As it stands, neither Seven nor anyone at Spotlight has been found to have done anything wrong.”

Daily Mail Australia has approached Seven for comment.

It comes after damning allegations were made about the network amid Lehrmann’s ongoing defamation battle with Network Ten and Lisa Wilkinson.

Over Easter weekend, a 2,300-page affidavit was signed by ex-Spotlight producer Taylor Auerbach, alleging that Seven spent $10,000 on Thai masseuses for Mr. Lehrmann and hundreds of others on lavish dinners, as well as allegations of sex workers and cocaine.

The explosive claims were enough for Judge Michael Lee to reopen Lehrmann’s defamation case after an emergency hearing last Tuesday.

Mr Auerbach claims he has photographs and texts showing Channel Seven covered specific expenses for Mr Lehrmann, including a $517 meal at Franca’s in Potts Point on January 5, 2023.

Mr Auerbach also said Seven paid for a meal at the Spice Temple in Sydney’s CBD on January 6, worth $450, and a $555 meal at the Chophouse Restaurant on January 31, including a $361 tomahawk steak and toast with shrimp from $48.

Over Easter weekend, a 2,300-page affidavit was signed by ex-Spotlight producer Taylor Auerbach (pictured) alleging that Channel Seven had covered the costs of lavish dinners, cocaine and Thai prostitutes for Bruce Lehrmann in return for exclusive interviews

He also alleged that Seven paid for a meal between Spotlight producer Mark Llewellyn, Mr Auerbach, Mr Lehrmann and his friend, former Liberal Party aide John McGowan, on December 18 in Bridport, Tasmania.

Mr Auerbach claims the network also covered the cost of a round of golf in Barnbougle, Tasmania, worth $401.

Seven has denied paying for prostitutes or drugs for any of the men.

Mr. Lehrmann says he has met with seven producers but denies Mr. Auerbach’s claims.

“It is an untrue and bizarre story from a disgruntled ex-Network Seven producer,” Lehrmann previously said.

‘Network Seven has only reimbursed reasonable travel for filming and accommodation.’

Bruce Lehrmann (pictured) says he met with seven producers but denies he was with Mr Auerbach the night a company credit card was allegedly used to pay for the massages

Mr Auerbach was not fired by Seven after the night out, but his contract was not renewed.

He received a payout of about $150,000, roughly the equivalent of a year’s salary, after claiming he was the victim of persistent bullying and anti-Semitism.

Last Thursday, Auerbach’s lawyer, Rebekah Giles, told the court that her client had previously filed a psychological injury claim against Channel Seven.

She told the court the harm included “persistent bullying (and) anti-Semitism over a significant period of time.”

Ms. Giles did not elaborate, but she said Mr. Auerbach may be required to collect material used to make that claim.