Former Seven journalist Amy Taeuber ‘sacked after complaining about Today Tonight colleague’s sexual harassment’
EXCLUSIVE: A YOUNG female TV reporter was illegally sacked just weeks after formally complaining about being sexually harassed by a senior Adelaide colleague, a lawsuit alleges.
A YOUNG female television reporter claims she was sacked weeks after complaining that a senior colleague called her a “lesbian” on her birthday, a lawsuit alleges.
Identical triplet Amy Taeuber, 27, is suing Seven Network (Operations) Ltd and former boss Graham Archer over claims her dismissal was triggered by a complaint she made against Today Tonight journalist Rodney Lohse, 43.
In her 18-page originating application, Brighton-based Ms Taeuber, who now works in commercial radio, alleges several work-law breaches. She alleges that on her birthday inMarch, her freelance journalist sister Sophie and colleagues, including TT host Rosanna Mangiarelli, were talking when Mr Lohse engaged in “sexual harassment”.
“Mr Lohse made repeated unwanted comments regarding (Amy), which were . . . offensive and humiliating,” it is alleged.
“(He) claimed that one in three women are lesbians, therefore (Amy) must be a lesbian as she is a triplet.”
He persisted despite Sophie denying her sister was gay, the documents assert.
Federal Circuit Court documents allege the $57,000-a year cadet journalist was subject to a “retaliatory” investigation – and that colleagues were asked to “dig up dirt” on her.
The documents also claim Ms Taeuber’s Facebook account was accessed and her password changed by an IP address that was later found to originate from Melbourne.
She is seeking a year’s salary for her remaining contract, undisclosed damages and compensation for loss of earnings, other penalties, interest, costs as well as a finding that she was wrongfully sacked.
Her “adverse action” claim comes after mediation through the Fair Work Commission failed. The network and Mr Archer, Seven Adelaide’s news and public affairs director, have yet to file a defence.
Mr Lohse, a father of four, later apologised but then allegedly “avoided and ignored” her and blocked social media access, she claims.
After complaining to Mr Archer, she states Mr Lohse and her boss had asked a colleague, Pippa Bradshaw, to find “adverse” material on her, which an internal review could not substantiate.
Mr Lohse faced no disciplinary action as Mr Archer allegedly believed the comments were “acceptable” in newsrooms, she alleges.
Then, she was placed under investigation for involvement in a “satirical” website, and Facebook page, that reviewed reality television shows, including those aired on Seven.
She was further accused of plotting to “destroy” a fellow cadet and also that she allegedly made disparaging remarks about his sexuality.
After initially being suspended she was sacked for “serious misconduct” on July 5 after she refused to resign, but asserts her sacking was because of her harassment complaint.
The network’s television HR general manager, Davanh Inthachanh, said in a letter that “disparaging and offensive” comments were made online about network shows and workers while she had illegally used Seven pictures.
Ms Taeuber dismisses the “trivial” reasons – and states that her sister, Kate, had solely operated the websites.
In a statement on Friday night, a Seven spokeswoman said the conduct fell short of standards and breached her agreement.
“(We) will be defending the claim on the basis that it was justified in terminating Ms Taeuber’s employment,” the spokeswoman said.
Mr Archer was unavailable as he was overseas, while Ms Taeuber, Mr Lohse and Ms Bradshaw declined to comment ahead of a hearing.