Former Channel 7 reporter Robert Ovadia drops legal action against Seven Network

The veteran television reporter has abruptly dropped his legal action against the media company and its news boss Anthony De Ceglie.

Former Seven journalist Robert Ovadia. Picture: Channel 7

Sydney journalist Robert Ovadia has abruptly dropped legal action against his former employer the Seven Network, just one month after he took the company to court.

Ovadia launched action in the Federal Court in August against Seven and its director of news and current affairs and editor-in-chief Anthony De Ceglie, following allegations levelled against him of inappropriate conduct.

Ovadia worked at Seven for 23 years and was stood down before eventually being sacked in June over alleged inappropriate behaviour, including emails exchanged four years ago between him and a younger former Seven female employee.

Ovadia engaged high-profile lawyer John Laxon to represent him who on Friday said his client had ceased legal action for “personal reasons.”

“While he strongly rejects allegations of serious misconduct made against him, the emotional and financial toll of proceeding with legal action is something his family can no longer bear and I entirely understand his position,” Mr Laxon said.

Seven released a statement on Friday shortly after Ovadia dropped his legal action.

“The Seven Network confirms that Robert Ovadia has withdrawn and discontinued the proceedings he commenced against Seven in the Federal Court,” a Seven spokesman said.
“This was a unilateral decision by Robert Ovadia and has involved no payment, settlement or concession by Seven to Mr Ovadia.”

Ovadia was seeking compensation for his dismissal, reinstatement to his job and pecuniary penalties.

Earlier in the week he shared a lengthy post on his Instagram count and accused “Seven’s Propaganda Unit” for being “intent on scaring me away from court.”

He also wrote: “When this kicked off, the day Seven first leaked this story, my teenage daughter asked if people will think her dad is a rapist.”

Ovadia also said ABC’s Four Corners program, led by reporter Louise Milligan, which focused on issues at Seven had aired a “laboured hatchet job” but “got one thing right – the Seven Network is diabolical.”

Ovadia was contacted but would not comment.

Originally published as Former Channel 7 reporter Robert Ovadia drops legal action against Seven Network