Channel Seven’s scandal-struck Spotlight show will return this weekend just days after bombshell sex and drugs allegations, as TV insiders reveal how it can survive the controversy.
Spotlight was dragged into the Bruce Lehrmann defamation trial over claims it had bankrolled wild nights to win exclusive interview rights with him.
The next episode of the current affairs program will air this Sunday night despite network bosses reportedly holding a series of crisis talks about its future.
TV chiefs 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 trashed in 2016 when four 60 Minutes crew members, including veteran presenter Tara Brown, were arrested in Lebanon’s capital over allegations of abduction following a botched child recovery mission.
The staffers spent two weeks in jail and charged with kidnapping, assault, hiding information and criminal conspiracy after they were arrested by local authorities.
‘That puts things in perspective,’ a senior figure at Seven told The n.
However, another insider said they were ‘shocked’ that the show was airing and that it should be put ‘into storage’ until the drama dies down.
Staff are understood to have taken the view that if Channel Nine’s 60 Minutes can overcome its infamous ‘Beirut scandal’, Seven’s Spotlight can survive this scandal (pictured, 60 Minutes presenter Tara Brown is escorted from a Lebanese courthouse 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 over child kidnapping accusations
Another insider told the publication, ‘The show must go on’.
‘What else can we do?’ they said. ‘We have heaps of content in the can, and it’s ready to go.
‘As it currently stands, neither Seven nor anyone at Spotlight have been found to have done anything wrong.’
Daily Mail has approached Seven for comment.
It comes after damning allegations about the network were raised during Mr Lehrmann’s ongoing defamation battle with Network Ten and Lisa Wilkinson.
Over the Easter weekend, a 2,300 page affidavit was signed by ex-Spotlight producer Taylor Auerbach alleging Seven had spent $10,000 on Thai masseuses for Mr Lehrmann and hundreds more on lavish dinners, as well as allegations of sex workers and cocaine.
The explosive claims were enough for Justice Michael Lee to reopen Mr Lehrmann’s defamation case following an urgent hearing last Tuesday.
Mr Auerbach claims he has photos and texts proving Channel Seven covered specific expenses for Mr Lehrmann, including a $517 meal at Franca in Potts Point on January 5, 2023.
Mr 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 Chophouse Restaurant on January 31 – which included a $361 tomahawk steak and $48 prawn toast.
Over the Easter weekend, a 2,300 page affidavit was signed by ex-Spotlight producer Taylor Auerbach (pictured) alleging Channel Seven had covered the cost of lavish dinners, cocaine and Thai prostitutes for Bruce Lehrmann in exchange for exclusive interviews
He also claimed Seven paid for a meal between Spotlight producer Mark Llewellyn, Mr Auerbach, Mr Lehrmann and his friend, former Liberal Party aide John McGowan, on December 18 in Bridport, Tasmania.
Mr Auerbach claims the network also covered the costs of a round of golf at Barnbougle, Tasmania, worth $401.
Seven has denied it paid for prostitutes or drugs for either of the men.
Mr Lehrmann says he did meet with Seven producers but denies Mr Auerbach’s claims.
‘It’s an untrue and bizarre story from a disgruntled ex-Network Seven producer,’ Mr Lehrmann said previously.
‘Network Seven have only ever covered reasonable travel for filming and accommodation.’
Bruce Lehrmann (pictured) says he did meet with Seven producers but denies that he was with Mr Auerbach on the night a company credit card was allegedly used to pay for the massages
Mr Auerbach was not sacked by Seven following the night out but his contract was not renewed.
He received a payout of around $150,000, about the equivalent of a year’s salary, after he claimed to have been the victim of sustained bullying and anti-Semitism.
Last Thursday, Mr Auerbach’s solicitor Rebekah Giles told the court her client had previously filed a claim for psychological injury against Channel Seven.
She told the court the injury included ‘sustained bullying (and) anti-Semitism over a significant period’.
Ms Giles did not elaborate but she said Mr Auerbach may be required to gather material used to make that claim.
READ MORE: Seven’s big payout for Taylor Auerbach after the shocking REAL reasons for his sudden exit from the TV network are revealed
Ex-Spotlight producer Taylor Auerbach (pictured) received a glowing reference from Seven’s director of news and public affairs Craig McPherson, which praised his ‘creative flair’ and ‘diligence’, in addition to a reported $150,000 payout