- Former Channel Seven producer threatens to sue Bruce Lehrmann
- Saga includes a night out and two expensive Thai massages.
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A former Channel Seven producer is threatening to sue Bruce Lehrmann for defamation over an alleged saga involving a night out and thousands of dollars worth of Thai massages.
A News Corp article last week claimed that Taylor Auerbach used a Seven West credit card to book two $1,000 Thai massages, one for himself and one for Lehrmann, in the early hours of November 26, 2022.
It was also reported that Mr. Lehrmann stayed a few hours at Mr. Auerbach’s home in Elizabeth Bay after the massage and expenses totaling $2,940 were charged to the corporate card.
The late-night meeting was said to have taken place during negotiations for Mr. Lehrmann’s exclusive interviews on the network’s show, Spotlight, which aired in June and August of last year.
It is understood Mr Auerbach used the Seven West card without the knowledge of key Spotlight staff. Text messages later emerged showing a senior Spotlight producer, Steve Jackson, allegedly guiding Auerbach on how to reverse the transaction.
However, Lehrmann denied the version of events given by Auerbach, telling the media: “It is a strange and false story from a disgruntled former Network Seven producer.”
Bruce Lehrmann pictured at Rushcutters Bay in Sydney’s eastern suburbs during a sailing excursion.
Taylor Auerbach (pictured) stopped working for Channel Seven last year. He took up a role at Sky News earlier this year.
“Network Seven only covered reasonable travel for filming and accommodation.”
Auerbach says those comments are false and sent Lehrmann a notice of concern, which is the first step in the defamation process, amid concerns that denial could damage his reputation.
Daily Mail Australia understands Lehrmann had not received the notice at lunchtime on Thursday because he was playing golf, and learned of the situation through media reports.
Auerbach declined to comment on the situation when contacted by Daily Mail Australia.
Bruce Lehrmann is pictured with Rob Porter at Rushcutters Bay in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.