Axed Channel 7 reporter Robert Ovadia launches legal action in the Federal Court

Robert Ovadia has launched legal action in the Federal Court against Seven and news boss Anthony De Ceglie, seeking damages and reinstatement to his job.

Former Seven journalist Robert Ovadia. Source: Channel 7

Sacked Channel 7 journalist Robert Ovadia has launched legal action in the Federal Court against the network and news boss Anthony De Ceglie, seeking damages and reinstatement to his job.

Court documents were lodged on Friday evening after action taken by Ovadia in the Fair Work Commission against Seven could not be resolved to the satisfaction of both parties.

Ovadia, who is being represented by high-profile employment and workplace lawyer John Laxon, lodged a lengthy statement of claim in which he says he was sacked for unlawful reasons.

In the documents Ovadia claims Seven and De Ceglie engaged in adverse action against him, breached his contract and caused him intentional harm.

Channel 7 reporter Robert Ovadia. Source: Supplied.

The Australian understands that as part of its defence, Seven will rely on email exchanges that Ovadia had with colleagues during his employment with the network.

Seven also has statements made by about a dozen past and present staff about Ovadia.

On June 7, The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age published a story saying that Ovadia was on leave from the network as a result of “an allegation of inappropriate behaviour by him towards a woman”.

“Ovadia, a veteran of the company, has engaged legal representation while an investigation is conducted,” the news report said.

Ovadia has alleged that Seven told the media he was being investigated and stood down and as a result he suffered intentional harm. On the weekend, Mr Laxon confirmed Ovadia’s court matter was under way.

“Robert Ovadia has commenced proceedings against Channel 7 and Anthony De Ceglie in the Federal Court of Australia,” he said.

The amount of compensation and damages Ovadia is seeking has not been disclosed in the ­documents.

A Seven spokesman told The Australian the station would defend the matter.

“Seven is not in a position to comment on Mr Ovadia commencing legal proceedings as it is now before the Federal Court, other than to say that Seven will defend its position in this matter,” he said.

Anthony De Ceglie.

“As previously noted, Robert Ovadia no longer works at Seven.

“Seven takes very seriously any allegations in relation to sexual harassment, bullying and other behaviours deemed to be inappropriate within the workplace.

“We manage allegations confidentially and deal with any substantiated breaches decisively,” he said.

Ovadia’s initial legal action against Seven began in the Fair Work Commission and was taken to conciliation, which failed.

The Australian has previously reported that Ovadia sent an image of a flaccid penis to a male colleague requesting “Dick pics” in relation to a court case involving a man named “Dick”.

No complaint was made about the matter.

The ABC Four Corners’s reporter Louise Milligan has been conducting an investigation into allegations of misconduct at Seven.

It’s understood questions have been asked by the public broadcaster about matters relating to Ovadia. De Ceglie was appointed the director of news and current affairs and Seven West Media editor-in-chief in April.

He replaced Seven Network director of news and public affairs Craig McPherson, who stepped down from the role.

McPherson left shortly after the Sunrise co-host Matt Shirvington named the wrong man as the Bondi Junction killer.

De Ceglie arrived at Seven soon after former Spotlight producer Taylor Auerbach alleged that the station had reimbursed former Liberal staffer Bruce Lehrmann for expenses incurred in hiring sex workers and buying cocaine, in exchange for a sit-down interview with the prime time show regarding the Brittany Higgins allegations.

The station has vehemently denied the claims.