Channel Seven journalist Robert Ovadia is on leave while Seven conducts an internal investigation into allegations of “inappropriate behaviour” by the television veteran.
A spokesperson for the network confirmed Ovadia was on leave.
“Seven is conducting an investigation into allegations of inappropriate behaviour by Robert Ovadia,” the spokesperson said.
Ovadia said he would defend the “malicious” allegation.
“Seven had told me no current or former colleagues [have] made any complaint against me, as far as I am aware,” he said.
“Any suggestion I have been inappropriate at any time is false, malicious and will be defended.”
The Sydney-based crime reporter and occasional newsreader has worked for the network for more than two decades.
Seven’s major television rival, Nine, has faced weeks of damaging revelations of its own, about an alleged toxic culture within its television newsroom and broader organisation.
The former news and current affairs director Darren Wick abruptly left Nine in March after 29 years with the company following complaints of sexual harassment and inappropriate behaviour. Wick has not commented publicly.
Nine’s chief executive, Mike Sneesby, has come under pressure about what he knew of the allegations against Wick and the terms of Wick’s departure, believed to include a payout close to $1m, most of which is entitlements.
In an email to staff, Sneesby conceded staff had been traumatised by the working environment at the company.
“It is important we all acknowledge the trauma some of you have experienced in the past, and the distress and frustration the substance of these reports has caused,” he wrote.
“The recent reports that detail alleged serious failings of leadership in television news clearly tells me more work needs to be done to ensure we have a safe and inclusive workplace throughout Nine.”
