ABC staff allegedly groped by senior journalist at staff Christmas party in Brisbane
A senior ABC journalist and producer is alleged to have groped a female colleague at a staff Christmas party late last month.
The female staff member alleged she was sexually harassed by the man at the meeting in Southbank, Brisbane on November 24.
An ABC spokesperson told Ny Breaking Australia that management had removed an employee from the workplace 'following a complaint from a colleague about his behaviour'.
“The ABC responded quickly to the complaint and the matter is under investigation.
'The employee remains absent pending the outcome of that investigation.
'These types of allegations are always thoroughly investigated and alleged victims are always given guidance and support.'
Employees alleged that the man went on a rampage at the Christmas party and touched a woman's buttocks. The Sunday Telegraph reported.
A senior ABC journalist and producer is alleged to have groped a female colleague at a staff Christmas party late last month (stock image)
After the Christmas party, ABC Chief People Officer Dharma Chandran sent an email to staff reminding them of what is expected at work, sources claim.
Mr Chandran urged staff to be mindful of the amount of alcohol they have and said this is not an excuse for any form of harassment or anti-social behaviour.
“As teams come together to celebrate another successful year at the ABC, we would like to remind you of the importance of respectful and responsible behavior at ABC's end-of-year celebrations and other work-related social events,” he said.
“We expect everyone to treat each other with dignity and respect at all times and remind you that incidents of harassment, including sexual harassment, are unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”
His email also told staff not to “assume someone is interested in you” based on what they wear and previous interactions.
It comes as Sky News' Christmas party was scrapped this year after former colleague Chris Smith disgraced himself at the 2022 meeting
It comes as Sky News' Christmas party was scrapped this year after former colleague Chris Smith disgraced himself at the 2022 meeting.
Employees at the network's Sydney headquarters will have to make do with a quiet lunch in the suburban offices.
Staff have been told that alcohol will not be provided in the Macquarie Park newsroom, from where most of Sky's programming is broadcast.
Sky's last big annual blowout took place on December 10 at the Justin Hemmes-run Ivy Sunroom on George Street in the central business district.
Smith, 60, made insulting comments to a young female colleague and hit another in the bottom after a group from Ivy left for the nearby establishment.
The former presenter, who blamed his behavior on bipolar disorder and alcoholism, apologized for his drunken actions but was sacked by Sky CEO Paul Whittaker three days later.