A former Channel Seven employee told a court that footage of him smashing his boss’s $2,000 golf clubs was actually a parody of another bizarre video featuring another Spotlight producer and a wet cloth.
Taylor Auerbach, former producer of the network’s Spotlight show, filmed himself late last year smiling as he destroyed a set of golf clubs belonging to his former colleague, Steve Jackson.
He uploaded the video to Instagram with the caption “Merry Christmas.” Sue me,’ after the couple had a bitter fight.
In Federal Court on Thursday, Auerbach was asked about the video during Lehrmann’s defamation case against Network Ten and Lisa Wilkinson.
He was cross-examined by Mr Lehrmann’s lawyer, Matthew Richardson SC, who suggested that the video was a display of “hatred” toward Mr. Jackson.
Auerbach disagreed and said it was actually a parody of a video posted to social media by Spotlight executive producer Mark Llewellyn, telling the court: “It’s important to see them side by side.”
The court did not play the clips together. However, WhatsNew2Day Australia exclusively obtained a copy of Mr Llewellyn’s original video.
Taylor Auerbach, former producer of the network’s show Spotlight, is photographed outside the courthouse on April 4.
The 18-second clip was overlaid with Boney M’s 1978 hit Rivers of Babylon and showed Mr Llewellyn standing under an outdoor awning while wringing a damp cloth.
Mr. Llewellyn looked sweaty and exhausted as he grimaced and struggled while twisting the rag.
Once he was done, he gasped and gave a thumbs up.
A man in the background seemed not to pay attention to the strange scene.
WhatsNew2Day Australia understands the video was filmed after a tennis match between Llewellyn and the other man.
In court Thursday, Mr. Auerbach was asked if he “particularly hated” Mr. Jackson.
“Yes,” Mr. Auerbach admitted.
Video of Mr. Auerbach destroying Mr. Jackson’s golf clubs was played in court.
Taylor Auerbach (right), former producer of the network’s Spotlight show, filmed himself late last year smiling as he destroyed a set of golf clubs belonging to his former colleague, Steve Jackson (left).
Auerbach was asked about the video in the Federal Court on Thursday during Lehrmann’s (pictured) defamation case against Network Ten and Lisa Wilkinson.
Mr Richardson said: “You make those expressions and you tell the court that you are not showing hatred towards Mr Jackson.”
Mr. Auerbach responded: “That’s my proof.”
Richardson said his evidence was “ridiculous”.
During Thursday’s hearing, it became clear that part of the reason Auerbach resented Jackson was because he was promoted.
He also blamed Mr Jackson “partly” when Channel Seven did not renew his contract.
Judge Michael Lee reopened the defamation case on Tuesday after Network Ten successfully argued there was new evidence from Mr Auerbach that was not available during the December trial.
Judge Michael Lee reopened the defamation case after Network Ten successfully argued there was new evidence from Mr Auerbach that was not available during the December trial. Lisa Wilkinson pictured
Auerbach was on the Spotlight team when he secured exclusive interviews with Lehrmann, which aired in June and August of last year.
It was during those two interviews that classified information from Mr. Lehrmann’s failed 2022 criminal trial was broadcast on national television.
The confidential material included private text messages from Ms Higgins and CCTV of her and Lehrmann entering Parliament before she was allegedly raped in March 2019.
Lehrmann has denied leaking the material.
The hearing will continue on Friday.
Brittany Higgins alleged that she was raped by Bruce Lehrmann in 2019. Lehrmann has denied the allegation.