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BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaAustralia’s Seven Network denies buying interviewee sex and drugsPublished41 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Bruce Lehrmann denies raping Brittany HigginsBy Tiffanie TurnbullBBC News, SydneyAustralia’s most-watched TV network has denied accusations it paid for sex workers and illicit drugs to secure an interview with an alleged rapist.A former Seven Network producer, Taylor Auerbach, made the allegations while giving evidence in a defamation case.Bruce Lehrmann is suing another channel, Network 10, over an accusation – which he denies – that he raped a colleague in parliament. Seven has faced intense scrutiny over its exclusive with Mr Lehrmann but says it “acted appropriately at all times”.”Seven is appalled by the allegations made in recent days. We do not condone the behaviours described in these allegations. They do not reflect the culture of Seven,” a spokesperson said on Thursday.The accusations have prompted a last-minute resumption of Mr Lehrmann’s defamation case – likened to a quasi-criminal trial – just two days before the judgement was set to be delivered.”Let sunlight be the best disinfectant,” Justice Michael Lee said when reopening the defamation case.The rape allegationIn February 2021, Brittany Higgins shocked Australia when she alleged she was raped by a colleague inside a minister’s office in Canberra in 2019.Her claims triggered marches attended by tens of thousands of women across the country, decrying the treatment of women in politics.Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Brittany Higgins speaking at a March 4 Justice rally in CanberraThough he was not named in the report by journalist Lisa Wilkinson for Network 10 programme The Project, Mr Lehrmann says he was easily identifiable.Six months later, he was charged by police over the alleged rape. But his trial in 2022 was aborted after juror misconduct. A retrial was later abandoned out of concerns for Ms Higgins’ mental health. Mr Lehrmann had pleaded not guilty to the charges. Seven’s Spotlight programme then began chasing Mr Lehrmann, who was unable to give evidence at his criminal trial, for his side of the story.In the two-part exclusive with the network he said he had no idea how Ms Higgins had ended up naked on a couch in the office they worked in, and spoke about the dire impact of the case on his life. The programme was later named as a finalist in Australia’s top media awards in the Scoop of the Year category.But before his interview had even aired, Mr Lehrmann launched a defamation lawsuit against Network 10 and Ms Wilkinson, saying the alleged assault never happened and that they “utterly destroyed” his reputation.Network 10, with Ms Higgins as a witness, said it would defend its report as substantially true.The defamation trialDefamation cases in Australia have a lower standard of proof than criminal cases and judges often allow reams of seemingly tangential evidence to help them make judgements on the credibility or character of witnesses.Over five weeks, this trial heard from more than a dozen witnesses who built on evidence given at the criminal one.Mr Lehrmann took to the witness box this time and Ms Higgins spent several days giving evidence herself. It also heard analysis from a lip reader flown in from the UK, hours of Ms Wilkinson and her Network 10 colleagues enthusiastically defending their work, and evidence from Mr Lehrmann’s ex-colleagues who told the court of his “bad vibes”.Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Network 10 journalist Lisa Wilkinson conducted the first interview with Ms HigginsBut one of the biggest bombshells from the evidence concerned Network Seven.At the time of its Mr Lehrmann interview, the network said it had “made no payment” to him but had “assisted with accommodation as part of the filming of the story”.But in court, Mr Lehrmann revealed that Seven had agreed to pay his rent for a year, costing the network more than A$100,000 (£52,000; $66,000).As Seven drew ire and accusations of dishonesty, the Walkley Awards promptly revoked the story’s nomination.Ms Higgins has also accused Mr Lehrmann of leaking her private texts – which she supplied during the police investigation – but he has denied handing any documents to Spotlight. The fresh evidenceThe first rumblings that Seven had paid Mr Lehrmann more than it had disclosed came weeks ago, amid a completely separate controversy.Messages that were leaked to the media allegedly showed that a Spotlight producer who was courting Mr Lehrmann for the interview had used a Seven credit card to pay for expensive Thai massages late at night.Mr Lehrmann dismissed the allegation he had a massage as a “bizarre story from a disgruntled ex-Network Seven producer”.But the producer – Taylor Auerbach – provided more than 2,800 pages of sworn affidavits for Network 10 to use in court in defending Mr Lehrmann’s defamation claim. In these documents, he alleged that Mr Lehrmann was the liar.In a special hearing convened to test the allegations on Thursday, Mr Auerbach said he charged about A$10,000 in massages to the company card after an evening with Mr Lehrmann – before personally paying his employer back later. But he alleged that Seven had footed the bill for several expensive dinners with Mr Lehrmann, and a golfing trip in Tasmania.Most explosively, Mr Auerbach said in court it had also reimbursed Mr Lehrmann for other expenses – including illicit drugs, “prostitutes” and a brothel visit – via a “per diem” allowance.It is unclear whether Mr Auerbach alleges Seven was aware of the nature of the charges he says it was reimbursing.Mr Auerbach also rejected Mr Lehrmann’s assertions that he had not provided Spotlight with sensitive information such as Ms Higgins’ text message history or confidential police documents. In criminal trials, prosecutors have to share their evidence with the accused but the defence has an obligation not to use it outside of court.But Mr Auerbach claims Mr Lehrmann turned up to Seven’s offices with a massive binder of documents and photocopied more than 500 pages of evidence for the Spotlight episode. Citing as proof that documents were exchanged, Mr Auerbach provided images taken of a laptop screen showing some of Ms Higgins’ texts. In the reflection of the laptop screen, there appears to be a bald man with thick black glasses – which Mr Auerbach says is Mark Llewellyn, Spotlight’s executive producer. The metadata of the photo shows it was taken at Mr Lehrmann’s accommodation at the time, Mr Auerbach claimed.Image source, Federal Court of AustraliaImage caption, One of the images that Mr Auerbach says proves Seven was given documentsSeven has said it will not reveal the source of the sensitive evidence it aired in its report, but noted that Mr Lehrmann had denied under oath it was him.A Seven spokesperson said Mr Lehrman had never been reimbursed money allegedly used to pay for illegal drugs or prostitutes, and that the network had “at no point” asked anyone to delete or destroy any evidence.Lawyers for Mr Lehrmann also told the court he had not received “per diems” from Seven for the expenses Mr Auerbach alleged, and that he had not provided the programme with documents.They played – in slow motion – a bizarre video of Mr Auerbach destroying a colleague’s golf clubs, and argued that he had an axe to grind with Seven after his employment was not renewed in 2023.”You are here today to do as much damage to your former employer and former colleagues as you possibly can… and you’re prepared to lie in that endeavour,” barrister Matthew Richardson said.”No, sir,” Mr Auerbach replied.The falloutThe defamation trial is still going, but Mr Auerbach’s evidence is already being used to attack Mr Lehrmann’s credibility as a witness. Plus, Network 10 has argued it shows both a contempt of court and an abuse of its processes – requesting the judge consider prosecuting him for that.But it also has big implications for Seven, which was already under fire for its conduct in securing the interview, observers say.Australia’s media code of ethics does not ban payment for interviews but it is increasingly frowned upon. However the code does say that journalists cannot let commercial considerations undermine accuracy, fairness or independence, and that they must disclose when payments have been made.”If half of this is true – and it’s yet to be tested in court – #7spotlight is an absolute disgrace,” Paul Barry, host of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s Media Watch programme, wrote on X.Mr Auerbach has lost his job as an investigations producer at Sky News Australia over the saga, and another former Spotlight producer has also been sacked from a role as the head of media for New South Wales Police. Many suspect the fallout is likely to escalate.One report by Sydney’s Daily Telegraph claims Seven Network owner Kerry Stokes is considering cancelling the Spotlight programme – which first aired in 2021 – to limit the damage to the network’s brand.”It does raise questions as to who’s in charge at Seven and whether they should still be in charge,” Stephen Mayne, a shareholder activist and media commentator, told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.But others say it could also have wider ramifications for the integrity of Australia’s media industry.Related TopicsMediaMedia ethicsAustraliaMore on this storyAustralian parliament rape retrial abandonedPublished2 December 2022Trial begins in Australia parliament rape casePublished4 October 2022Australia parliament rape trial abandonedPublished27 October 2022Top StoriesLive. 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[ad_1] Australia’s Seven Network had been pursuing an exclusive with the alleged rapist, a court heard.
![BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaAlicudi: Italian island offers goats up for adoptionPublished20 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, The goats have become a problem for the residents of AlicudiBy Hafsa KhalilBBC NewsThe local mayor of a remote Italian island overrun with wild goats is offering to give them away.The idea came to Riccardo Gullo after a census estimated their population to be six times the human population of 100.Experts at navigating the steep landscape of Alicudi, in the Aeolian archipelago north of Sicily, the goats have become a problem as they damage gardens and allotments.Applications to “adopt a goat” must be received by 10 April.Wild goats have lived in Alicudi for years, and previously spent most of their time on the volcanic island’s rugged mountains and cliffs. But as their population has grown, they have started to venture down into residential areas where, as well as ruining gardens, they have reportedly also knocked down parts of walls, and even entered people’s homes. Known as browsers – animals that eat away at leaves and fruits growing at head-height – goats are prone to destroying vegetation if left unattended.Mr Gullo said that people have already been inquiring about taking the goats. “[There is] a farmer on Vulcano island who would like to take several goats as, among other things, he produces a Riccota cheese which is much appreciated,” he told the Guardian.Vulcano – along with Alicudi – is one of the seven islands that make up the Aeolian archipelago. The group of islands is a Unesco world heritage site. Related TopicsGoatsItalyMore on this storyCliff-edge bagot goats will be used for breedingPublished7 MarchMountain goats devour beauty spot gardensPublished9 August 2023Top StoriesLive. Pressure grows over arms sales to Israel ahead of Biden-Netanyahu callFears for Gazans as aid groups halt work over air strikePublished11 hours agoAir passengers face extra year of 100ml liquid rulePublished2 hours agoFeatures‘You see skeletons’ – South Africa’s deadly borderRussia’s neighbours urge Nato allies to bring back military serviceTrain strikes: How will you be affected?How might Iran seek to hurt Israel after general’s killing?School shooting brings up tough questions for FinlandWhat is Alzheimer’s and how common is it?Parents of murdered stalking victim ‘finally’ feel supportedWill the strike on Gaza aid workers change anything?AttributionSoundsThe unprecedented booing of an Indian cricket starElsewhere on the BBCBlowing the lid on a baffling online scamPolly Weston’s determined to get to the bottom of the con involving a £138 dehumidifierAttributionSoundsMind-blowing looks for a career transforming prizeGlow Up is returning with eight aspiring make up artists – here a preview…AttributioniPlayerDid The Terminator predict the future correctly?!Beth Singler explores the creation and enduring influence of the film, 40 years after its releaseAttributionSoundsWhat is a Trad Wife?Poppy and Rubina unpack the internet trend and consider if that lifestyle could be for themAttributionSoundsMost Read1DWP take woman’s inheritance over supermarket job2No boots on the ground in Ukraine, says Cameron3Truss among Tory MPs at Farage’s birthday party4The unprecedented booing of an Indian cricket star5Air passengers face extra year of 100ml liquid rule6Apology after Benjamin Zephaniah mural removed7Lara Croft voted most iconic video game character8Myanmar’s military-ruled capital attacked by drones9Russia’s neighbours urge Nato allies to bring back military service10Trial of blood tests to spot Alzheimer’s sooner](https://newsinsightplus.com/wp-content/uploads/https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/branded_news/37C5/production/_133077241_gettyimages-1805926467.jpg)
![BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaLuke Fleurs: South African footballer shot dead in car hijackingPublished48 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, Kaiser ChiefsImage caption, Defender Fleurs joined Kaiser Chiefs last OctoberBy Wycliffe MuiaBBC News South African footballer Luke Fleurs has been shot dead in a car hijacking, his team says.The shooting took place at a petrol station on Wednesday night in the Johannesburg suburb of Florida.The 24-year-old was waiting to be attended to when he was approached by unknown gunmen, who ordered him to get out of the vehicle. One of the suspects fled the scene with Fleurs’ car after the shooting. “The suspects pointed [at] him with a firearm and took him out of his vehicle, then shot him once on the upper body,” Gauteng police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo told local media. His team, Kaizer Chiefs, says the death was “tragic”. It said police were handling the matter and further details would be communicated in due course.Defender Fleurs joined Kaiser Chiefs last year. He previously played for SuperSport United. On its website, Kaiser Chiefs describes Fleurs as a “classy defender” with “great technical abilities”. He began his career in 2013 in the Ubuntu Cape Town Academy, according to local media. Football fans have taken to social media to mourn him. You may also be interested in:South Africa’s deadly love affair with gunsMurders, hitmen and South Africa’s electionPistorius release: ‘The laws are failing women’Related TopicsSouth AfricaTop StoriesTop judges urge UK to stop arms sales to IsraelPublished1 hour agoIsraeli minister denies convoy strike was deliberatePublished1 hour agoTaiwan earthquake ‘rained rocks like bullets’, survivor recallsPublished39 minutes agoFeatures‘You see skeletons’ – South Africa’s deadly borderThe Papers: PM’s warning over ECHR and Israel arms ban callsHow might Iran seek to hurt Israel after general’s killing?The unprecedented booing of an Indian cricket starWhat we know about Israeli strike on aid convoySchool shooting brings up tough questions for FinlandParents of murdered stalking victim ‘finally’ feel supportedRussia’s neighbours urge Nato allies to bring back military serviceHow AI is being used to prevent illegal fishingElsewhere on the BBCUnrolling surprising facts about wallpaperJoin Ruth Goodman as she unravels the curious history of this everyday objectAttributionSoundsMind-blowing looks for a career transforming prizeGlow Up is returning with eight aspiring make up artists – here a preview…AttributioniPlayerCould climate change lead to more volcanic eruptions?CrowdScience travels to New Zealand to search for answersAttributionSoundsWhat is a Trad Wife?Poppy and Rubina unpack the internet trend and consider if that lifestyle could be for themAttributionSoundsMost Read1DWP take woman’s inheritance over supermarket job2PM’s warning over ECHR and Israel arms ban calls3Super Bowl champion admits role in Texas car crash4’Fake live stream scammers targeted my dad’s funeral’5Top judges urge UK to stop arms sales to Israel6Air passengers face extra year of 100ml liquid rule7’I wish our daughter had spoken to this police force’8Thousands of people to trial Alzheimer’s blood tests9Dramatic drop in logging in key Amazon countries10Israeli minister denies convoy strike was deliberate](https://newsinsightplus.com/wp-content/uploads/https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/branded_news/16C49/production/_133075239_soka.jpg2.jpg)
