Channel Seven’s scandal-hit show Spotlight will return this weekend just days after explosive sex and drugs allegations, as TV insiders reveal how it can survive the controversy.
Spotlight was dragged into Bruce Lehrmann’s defamation trial over allegations that it had funded wild nights to gain exclusive rights to interview him.
The next episode of the current affairs show will air this Sunday night despite network bosses reportedly holding a series of crisis talks over its future.
TV bosses are understood to have taken the view that if Spotlight’s Channel Nine rival 60 Minutes can overcome its infamous “Beirut scandal”, Seven’s Spotlight can also survive this current outrage.
Nine’s reputation was shattered in 2016 when four members of the 60 Minutes team, including veteran presenter Tara Brown, were arrested in Lebanon’s capital on kidnapping charges following a botched child recovery mission.
The employees spent two weeks in jail and were charged with kidnapping, assault, concealment of information and criminal conspiracy after they were arrested by local authorities.
“That puts things into perspective,” said a senior Seven official. The Australian.
However, another source said they were “surprised” the show was airing and that it should be “saved” until the drama was over.
Staff are understood to have taken the view that if Channel Nine’s 60 Minutes can move on from its infamous ‘Beirut scandal’, Seven’s Spotlight can survive this scandal (pictured, 60 Minutes presenter Tara Brown is escorted from a Lebanese court to Baabda prison in 2016)
Brown and 60 Minutes producer Stephen Rice are pictured arriving home at Sydney Airport after spending two weeks behind bars on child abduction charges.
Another insider told the publication: “The show must go on.”
‘What else can we do?’ they said. ‘We’ve got plenty of content in the can and it’s ready to go.
“As things currently stand, neither Seven nor anyone at Spotlight has done anything wrong.”
WhatsNew2Day Australia has contacted Seven for comment.
It comes after damning allegations about the network emerged during Mr Lehrmann’s ongoing defamation battle with Network Ten and Lisa Wilkinson.
Over the Easter weekend, former Spotlight producer Taylor Auerbach signed a 2,300-page affidavit alleging Seven had spent $10,000 on Thai masseuses for Lehrmann and hundreds more on lavish dinners, as well as allegations of sex workers and cocaine.
The explosive claims were enough for Judge Michael Lee to reopen Mr Lehrmann’s defamation case following an urgent hearing last Tuesday.
Auerbach claims he has photographs and text showing that Channel Seven covered specific expenses for Lehrmann, including a $517 meal at Franca in Potts Point on January 5, 2023.
Auerbach also said Seven paid for a meal at Spice Temple in Sydney’s CBD on January 6, worth $450, and a $555 meal at the Chophouse restaurant on January 31, which included a $361 tomahawk steak. and a shrimp toast for $48.
Over the Easter weekend, former Spotlight producer Taylor Auerbach (pictured) signed a 2,300-page affidavit alleging that Channel Seven had covered the cost of lavish dinners, cocaine and Thai prostitutes for Bruce Lehrmann in exchange for interviews exclusive.
He also claimed Seven paid for a meal between Spotlight producer Mark Llewellyn, Auerbach, Lehrmann and their friend, former Liberal Party aide John McGowan, on December 18 in Bridport, Tasmania.
Auerbach says the network also covered the costs of a round of golf in Barnbougle, Tasmania, worth $401.
Seven has denied paying for prostitutes or drugs for any of the men.
Lehrmann says he met with Seven producers, but denies Auerbach’s claims.
“It’s a bizarre and false story from a disgruntled former Network Seven producer,” Mr Lehrmann previously said.
“Network Seven has only covered reasonable travel for filming and accommodation.”
Bruce Lehrmann (pictured) says he met with Seven producers but denies being with Auerbach on the night a company credit card was allegedly used to pay for massages.
Seven did not fire Mr Auerbach after the night out, but his contract was not renewed.
She received a payout of around $150,000, roughly equivalent to a year’s salary, after claiming to have been a victim of harassment and sustained anti-Semitism.
Last Thursday, Auerbach’s lawyer, Rebekah Giles, told the court that her client had previously filed a psychological damage claim against Channel Seven.
He told the court the injury included “bullying (and) sustained anti-Semitism over a significant period”.
Giles did not elaborate, but said Mr. Auerbach may be asked to collect the material used to make that claim.