Freelancer chief executive Matt Barrie warned an employee for inviting an ABC camera crew into the company's office's without approval because he was concerned the resulting Four Corners episode could "disrupt his political ambitions", a court has heard.

The high-profile tech entrepreneur is embroiled in a Federal Circuit Court battle after sacked operations and talent manager, Matthew O'Kane, sued Freelancer and Mr Barrie personally in December 2016. Mr O'Kane alleges he was unfairly sacked over Mr Barrie's decision to hire a certain employee. Freelancer and Mr Barrie are defending the claim.