Inside story of how Taylor Auerbach’s trip to interview Adele with Sunrise’s Matt Doran ended in controversy

An unexpected twist linked to Bruce Lehrmann’s defamation case has emerged in a botched interview with Adele.

Ex-Spotlight producer Taylor Auerbach was the man with whom Channel Seven’s Matt Doran travelled to London before a botched Adele interview made worldwide headlines.

The former Seven staffer, who has been giving evidence in the Federal Court, previously played a cameo role in the interview, which made news for all the wrong reasons.

It was reportedly part of a $1 million package deal — but it never aired.

Weekend Sunrise host Matt Doran flew to London in November of 2021 with Mr Auerbach for an exclusive interview with Adele, but reportedly offended the British singer when he said he hadn’t listened to her latest album, 30.

Mr Auerbach appeared to give bombshell evidence in Bruce Lehrmann’s defamation case against Channel 10 on Thursday, making numerous allegations including those involving illicit drugs and prostitutes.

Mr Doran has since revealed he was “mortified and unequivocally apologetic” over the Adele saga.

“When I sat down to interview Adele, I was totally unaware that I’d been emailed a preview of her unreleased album,” Mr Doran said at the time.

“I have since discovered it was sent to me as an ‘e card’ link, which I somehow missed upon landing in London. It was an oversight but NOT a deliberate snub. This is the most important email I have ever missed.”

Taylor Auerbach (middle) on the ill-fated trip to London to interview Adele.

Mr Doran was then forced to refute suggestions he had not prepared for the interview, responding to rumours that he and Mr Auerbach had “been out until late”.

“We got to the interview three hours early the next day,” Mr Doran said.

After a week of controversy, Mr Doran issued a grovelling on-air apology on Weekend Sunrise, admitting he “deserves” the “bulk of the savaging”.

“This story has sparked, from around the world, a torrent of abuse and mockery – and if I’m being honest with you, the bulk of this savaging I deserve and totally own,” he said.

“To interview Adele, I flew to London for an unspeakable privilege, for what was to be one of the highlights of my career.

“I made the terrible mistake of assuming we weren’t to be given a preview because our interview was airing before it was released, and it was the industry’s most-prized secret.”

Mr Doran revealed that he did receive the email in question, but didn’t realise it included a link to the album.

“(The email from Sony) didn’t mention Adele but it did contain a link to her album. The genuine, deadset truth is that I missed it,” Doran said.

“Adele didn’t walk out. At least half of the interview was focused squarely on the new music, but I thought it was reductive to describe it as simply being about divorce.”

Adele performing in London. Picture: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images

Sony then withheld the footage, which meant Seven had no interview to broadcast.

“Throughout the 29 minutes, she was very funny, then raw … Adele was profound, then honest about her depression – honest enough to describe it as ‘end-of-the-world stuff’,’’ Mr Doran said.

“But all that doesn’t matter. By missing (the album link), however I might try to justify it, I’ve insulted Adele.

“To Adele, I say I’d never knowingly have disrespected you by deliberately not listening to your work. I am so sorry.

“I also apologise to Adele’s Australian fans, and to you, our viewers, who – through my error – have been denied this interview and the insight into her character.”