Inside Seven Network’s explosive DIRT FILE on sacked star reporter Robert Ovadia – and who else risks getting blown up in the fallout

EXCLUSIVE

The Seven Network has spent months compiling an explosive dirt file of alleged claims against one-time star crime reporter Robert Ovadia – with the scandal now threatening to claim former colleagues as collateral damage. 

It is understood the dossier is so extensive, Seven is preparing to ‘draw a line in the sand’ and fully commit to fighting the reporter’s unlawful sacking claims despite another round of court-ordered mediation. 

The revelation comes as the network told the Federal Court on Thursday that 13 more women had come forward with allegations against the Walkley Award-winning journalist since he was sacked in June. 

Ovadia has strenuously denied any wrongdoing. 

The veteran reporter launched legal action against Seven on August 9, claiming the broadcaster had breached the terms of his contract and had no basis for axing him.

The 51-year-old also claimed the network’s newly minted news boss, Anthony De Ceglie, deliberately made statements ‘calculated to demean, offend and injure’ him. 

Seven is defending both those allegations.  

The veteran reporter had worked at the network for more than 20 years before he was sacked 

The courtroom drama comes after the Fair Work Commission failed to settle the dispute through mediation six weeks ago. 

Its attempt to resolve the matter during a video hook-up between the opposing parties in July quickly broke down, with Seven refusing to participate in any further sessions. 

Seven sacked Ovadia – effective immediately – on June 21 following a weeks-long internal investigation that unearthed two instances of allegedly inappropriate conduct by the reporter in its Sydney newsroom. 

Seven’s barrister, Vanja Bulut, told the Federal Court on Thursday that they related to evidence Ovadia had sent ‘inappropriate pictures by text and email’ to a young female producer and an image of ‘of a man’s genital’ to a male colleague.

‘Subsequent to the applicant’s dismissal, 13 more females came forward. The applicant has been put on notice to that,’ Ms Bulut told Justice Elizabeth Raper.

‘My client has written setting out the additional allegations that have come to light. Those documents have been provided to the applicant.

‘Even if they (Seven) didn’t have a basis to primarily terminate the applicant’s employment at that time, the conduct that has come to light subsequently does provide a basis.’

Ovadia’s barrister, Andrew, Gotting, said that while his client had received some of the material, many of the particulars had been redacted.

It is understood Seven made the extensive redactions to protect the privacy of dozens of Ovadia’s former colleagues – both male and female – who now fear being caught up in the scandal. 

Court told more than a dozen women have now come forward with allegations against Ovadia 

Ovadia – who spent almost a quarter of a century at Seven – has continued to vigorously deny any suggestion he engaged in inappropriate behaviour.

The reporter – who did not attend court – claimed the allegations against him were part of a plot to ‘bully’ him into dropping his case against his former television employer.

‘The claims are baseless and Seven has never provided evidence despite repeated requests,’ he said on Thursday afternoon.

‘Even in court today, no evidence to support any of this – just a dirty tactic to try to bully me away from defending himself.’

Despite the parties troubled history with mediation, Justice Raper ordered a fresh round of talks – this time in person – between the two sides, noting it was ‘worth it to have a go’ before the case returns to court in February.