- Former Channel Seven producer threatens to sue Bruce Lehrmann
- Saga involves a night out and two pricey Thai massages
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 story last week claimed Taylor Auerbach used a Seven West credit card to book two $1000 Thai massages – one for him and one for for Mr Lehrmann – in the early hours of November 26, 2022.
It was also reported that Mr Lehrmann stayed at Mr Auerbach’s home in Elizabeth Bay for some hours after the massage, and expenses amounting to a total of $2940 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 program, Spotlight, which aired in June and August 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 Mr Auerbach on how to reverse the transaction.
However, Mr Lehrmann denied Mr Auerbach’s version of events, telling media: ‘It’s an untrue and bizarre story from a disgruntled ex-Network Seven producer.’
‘Network Seven only ever covered reasonable travel for filming and accommodation.’
Mr Auerbach says those comments are false and sent Mr Lehrmann a concerns notice, which is the first step in defamation proceedings, amid concerns the denial could harm his reputation.
Daily Mail Australia understands Mr Lehrmann had not received the notice as of lunchtime on Thursday because he was golfing, and learned about the situation via media reports.
Bruce Lehrmann is pictured at Rushcutters Bay in Sydney’s eastern suburbs during a sailing outing
Bruce Lehrmann is pictured with Rob Porter at Rushcutters Bay in Sydney’s eastern suburbs