Bruce Lehrmann cooks up storm amid masseuse drama

Bruce Lehrmann has emerged for the first time since he was threatened with legal action over a masseuse affair and he’s been cooking up a storm.

Bruce Lehrmann has emerged for the first time since he was threatened with legal action over the Channel 7 Spotlight masseuse affair and he’s been cooking up a storm ahead the Federal Court handing down its verdict on his defamation case.

Accompanied by his golden retriever Sunny, Mr Lehrmann attended an address in Sydney with a savoury bake and a salad for lunch on Easter Saturday.

Earlier in the day he was at his Balgowlah home, which is paid for by Channel 7.

Mr Lehrmann has told journalists that he did not get a massage after dining with Channel 7’s executive producer Mark Llewllyn and producer Taylor Auerbach on November 25, 2022.

Auerbach told Channel 7 immediately after the incident that he had requested the masseuses attend his Elizabeth Bay home.

At the time, he was in the company of Lehrmann and another man around 1am on the night in question.

Bruce Lehrmann on Easter Saturday. Picture: KHAPGG

Mr Lehrmann brings plates of food to a friend’s house. Picture: KHAPGG

The Weekend Australian newspaper reported on Easter Saturday that Channel 7 sources familiar with confidential discussions around the incident and the aftermath say that Auerbach told Channel 7 at the time he was drunk on the night and was “disgusted” with himself.

The masseuses were booked without the knowledge or consent of anyone else at Seven, including executive producer Mark Llewllyn and producer Steve Jackson.

But now Auerbach, the Spotlight producer who booked two Thai masseuses on a Channel 7 credit card after a big night out with Mr Lehrmann, has engaged high-profile lawyer Rebekah Giles to send defamation concerns letters to the former Liberal staffer.

The legal salvo is detailed in a concerns notice sent that complains “false” statements have been made regarding Mr Auerbach.

It follows Mr Lehrmann suggesting the story is “bizarre and untrue” and that a “disgruntled” ex-Spotlight producer was behind the claim.

“The press statement is likely to devastate Mr Auerbach’s professional reputation,” Ms Giles said.

Heading back to his car. Picture: KHAPGG

More food in tow. Picture: KHAPGG

She continued that Mr Lehrmann’s press statement conveyed a defamatory imputation that “Taylor Auerbach lied to the press about Bruce Lehrmann being bought a massage by a Seven Network employee”.

The objective of a concerns notice process is to resolve disputes regarding alleged defamation without the need for litigation.

It generally invites the respondent to “offer to make amends” to be made to the aggrieved person within 28 days of having received the concerns notice.

The offer may include an offer to publish an apology or an offer to pay compensation.

Seven has confirmed Thai masseuses were called to the property by the Spotlight producer and the fact a company credit card was used without the knowledge or consent of TV executives after a drunken night out.

The Federal Court is handing down its verdict on his defamation case on Thursday. Picture: KHAPGG

It has been a busy couple of weeks for Mr Lehrmann. Picture: KHAPGG

At the time, Spotlight was desperately trying to secure the story amid 60 Minutes - who refused to pay for the interview - also chasing a sit-down with the man accused of raping Brittany Higgins.

Mr Lehrmann pleaded not guilty to that charge and maintains his innocence. The trial was aborted due to juror misconduct and the charge was later withdrawn following concerns over Ms Higgins’ mental health.

Do you know more about this story? Continue the conversation: [e-mail]