Seven manager’s shocking texts exposed amid bombshell Four Corners investigation

Bombshell texts allegedly sent by the former Seven manager who worked on Bruce Lehrmann’s controversial Spotlight tell-all have been exposed.

A former Seven manager who worked on Bruce Lehrmann’s disastrous TV tell-all has hit back over bombshell texts he is alleged to have sent.

During an explosive Four Corners episode on Monday night the ABC published messages purportedly sent by former Channel 7 manager Mark Llewellyn to former producer Taylor Auerbach, both of whom worked on Lehrmann’s Spotlight interview, which aired last year.

Mr Llewellyn has published a fierce public denial of claims of bullying and anti-Semitism made against him.

In a statement toThe Australian he said: “A narrative has been created that is simply untrue. “That narrative has now been accepted by many as fact.”

In one text message from a group chat involving both Mr Llewellyn and Mr Auerbach, Mr Llewellyn comments on a photo of Mr Auerbach wearing a striped shirt, describing him as “Ann Frankenstein”.

The text exchange in which Mr Llewellyn mocks Mr Auerbach.

“Why is he wearing the holocaust Jim Jams [pyjamas]?,” Mr Llewellyn wrote, as per the publication.

In another, expletive-laden message, Mr Llewellyn appears to make violent comments, with the bizarre disclaimer they were coming from “the character in a play we’re writing.”

“The character in a play we’re written [sic] wants to bash your head the f**k in with a cricket bat,” Mr Llewellyn wrote in one text.

“Is that you c**t? I am gunna cave your head in. Said the character in the play we are writing,” another read.

The messages formed part of Mr Auerbach’s workers compensation claim against Seven.

Mr Llewellyn said messages given to Four Corners had been selectively chosen and were part of a mutual joke Mr Auerbach had instigated.

“I do not know if ABC is aware of this, but Taylor certainly is,” he said.

“We shared a similar and occasionally warped sense of humour while laughing at our many flaws and dealing with long hours and deadlines. But to suggest this was anything other than comic exaggeration is wrong.

“As anyone who has seen it knows, my Instagram site was a haven of silliness where the person I most regularly took the ‘mickey’ out of was me.”

Texts from Mark Llewellyn obtained by ABC.

Four Corners reported that Seven bosses were aware of the text messages in August last year.

The outlet also claimed Mr Auerbach did not provide the texts, with the journalist having signed a non-disclosure agreement with the broadcaster.

Mr Llewellyn resigned from the network in April after the program became embroiled in controversy at Lehrmann’s defamation trial against Lisa Wilkinson.

Spotlight was revealed to have paid Lehrmann’s rent for year in exchange for an interview given in June 2023, in which he spoke out publicly for the first time since he was accused of sexually assaulting Brittany Higgins at Parliament House in March 2019.

It was also alleged during the defamation trial that the program paid for a sex worker and cocaine for Lehrmann using the term ‘per diems’ on expenses forms.

Both Mr Llewellyn and Seven have vehemently denied they approved compensation for Lehrmann’s alleged activities.

When Seven became aware Mr Auerbach had used a corporate credit card to pay for Thai “masseuses”, it ordered him to reverse the $10,000 payment.

Mark Llewellyn and Taylor Auerbach in a selfie. Picture: Instagram/@archiebombora

“Taylor was given multiple opportunities, extensive support, and many second chances,” Mr Llewellyn said.

“Which is why his conduct on the Lehrmann story – when he spent thousands of dollars on escorts on a work corporate card – left me deflated and sad beyond words.

“Despite vile public speculation, I did not know about this behaviour until after the event and it was not condoned or encouraged by me. Nor was his alleged purchase of cocaine for himself and anyone associated with that story known, condoned or encouraged by me.

“To be clear, nor was the reference to ‘per diems’ code for cocaine and sex workers, or anything unlawful.

“For the record, it was not my decision to reject his resignation at the time. It was not my decision to keep him on.”

Mr Llewellyn said he was “deeply hurt” by allegations of anti-Semitism against him and added that he felt “betrayed” by Mr Auerbach who he had considered a close “mate”.

“It is hurtful and defamatory. My history both publicly and privately is that I am avowedly and proudly pro-Jewish and pro-Israel, especially after the October 7 atrocities,” he said.

“To suggest that there even is an ounce of anti-Semitism in my body is abhorrent.”

The report followed the fallout from claims that erupted over Spotlight’s attempts to woo Lehrmann on the company credit card.

But it also uncovered disturbing allegations of harassment, bullying and sexism, with two women saying they felt suicidal after working at the network.

In a statement after the show aired Seven said it was “clearly concerned about allegations of poor behaviour and mistreatment of of employees”.

However they added that a “number of matters raised represent old issues that have been well aired and dealt with, in some cases many years ago”.

“A number of people who have displayed behaviour not reflective of SWM’s values have already been removed from the organisation,” the statement continued.

“We encourage all Seven West Media team members to call out any behaviour that does not reflect our values. Whistle-blower protections are in place and are regularly re-emphasised with all staff.”