Channel 7 reporter Robert Ovadia ‘sent image of flaccid penis to male colleague’
Sacked Channel 7 journalist Robert Ovadia reportedly sent an image of a flaccid penis to a male colleague before being dumped by the channel.
Ovadia, who has been with the network for 23 years, announced Friday that he had been fired by management.
“Yes, I have been fired and there will be more to say about that at the right time in the right forum,” he countered The Australian.
He has since told the publication that he will no longer pursue a career in journalism.
Ovadia was first withdrawn by the broadcaster on June 7 while the investigation took place.
The network said: ‘Seven is conducting an investigation into allegations of inappropriate conduct by Robert Ovadia.’
Senior Channel Seven journalist Robart Ovadia (pictured) was dismissed while an allegation of inappropriate behavior by him towards a woman was investigated. He has since been fired
On Saturday, sources told The Australian that Ovadia allegedly Googled and then sent an image of a flaccid penis to a male colleague after asking for a “dick pic” while covering a court case.
A few days earlier, it was reported that the allegations related to emails exchanged between Ovadia and a former Seven colleague four years ago.
It is also claimed that a photoshopped image of a young female producer was central to the decision to fire Ovadia, the Daily telegram reported.
It is believed that the photo depicts a cartoon version of the female producer, but this is not done in a sexual manner.
According to sources at the Daily Telegraph, Ovadia was fired after ABC’s Four Corners heard about the image and began inquiring about it.
It is understood the junior producer, who no longer works at Channel 7, has never officially complained about the image.
However, the image was sent to Four Corners, which is investigating editorial cultures for an upcoming program.
There is no evidence the allegations have been proven and Ovadia has previously said they were unfounded and that he would defend himself.
It is understood that Ovadia has hired legal representation.
Channel Seven has made no comment on the resignation revealed by Mr Ovadia (Photo: Seven Network headquarters in Melbourne)
Anthony De Ceglie, who recently became Channel Seven news director, told staff he is taking a “zero tolerance” approach to bad behavior in the newsroom after a number of senior male employees, including his predecessor Craig McPherson, left the network amid of the fallout from the Bruce Lehrmann Spotlight scandal.
Taylor Auerbach, a former senior producer at Spotlight, alleged in documents tendered to the Federal Court that they took drugs and partied with sex workers, and that more than $10,000 was recovered from Seven, which the network has denied.
The court also heard that operating costs had been spent on expensive meals, golf trips and a year’s worth of accommodation for Lehrmann, which were said to have cost more than $100,000.
Rival network Channel 9 is also facing a scandal after the Australian revealed former news boss Darren Wick left the station following a complaint from a female employee.
Other staff have since made allegations of bullying and sexual harassment at the network, prompting Nine to launch its own investigation.