Controversial ‘Sexy Santas’ Stunt at Seven West Media Raises Eyebrows Amid Misconduct Scandal

Controversial ‘Sexy Santas’ Stunt at Seven West Media Raises Eyebrows Amid Misconduct Scandal

Seven West Media has found itself in hot water once again, this time due to reports of female dancers dressed as “sexy Santas” performing at a staff meeting. The incident comes as the media giant faces ongoing scrutiny over workplace misconduct allegations.

The Australian Financial Review first reported the incident, which allegedly took place at the network’s headquarters in Perth during a staff meeting last Friday. The meeting was intended to welcome new team members, including Sarah-Jane Tasker, the first female editor, and Adrian Lowe, the first LGBTQIA+ head of The Sunday Times. Chris Dore was also announced as the new editor-in-chief of The West Australian newspaper.

The meeting also covered plans for upcoming programs, such as Perth’s annual Christmas Pageant on December 7. However, the discussion was reportedly interrupted by Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You” blasting through the speakers, followed by women dressed in Santa hats and short red dresses performing a dance routine.

According to reports, some staff members were so taken aback by the performance that they left the meeting in protest. Despite the backlash, a spokesperson for Seven West Media defended the act, calling it part of the “Perth institution” that is the Christmas Pageant.

The incident sparked outrage online, with critics condemning the performance as outdated and inappropriate, especially given the network’s ongoing issues. “That’s definitely an organization run by men. Really old men,” one commenter wrote, while another questioned, “How is this real?”

Ongoing Allegations

This latest controversy adds to the growing scrutiny of Seven West Media’s workplace culture. Earlier this month, an ABC Four Corners investigation revealed accusations of toxic behavior within the network, including allegations of workplace sexual harassment directed at junior staff by those in senior positions.

One of the central figures in these allegations is former Sydney reporter Robert Ovadia, who was suspended on June 21. Ovadia is now taking legal action against the network and head of news Anthony De Ceglie, disputing the termination of his employment. In a statement, Ovadia denied any wrongdoing, calling the allegations “false, malicious, and will be defended.”

The network was already under fire before the ABC investigation. During the Lehrmann v. Network Ten defamation trial, former Seven producer Taylor Auerbach testified that Seven had reimbursed Bruce Lehrmann for payments related to illicit activities, including drugs and sex workers, while the network was filming an interview with Lehrmann for its Spotlight program. Lehrmann, who was accused of raping Brittany Higgins in Parliament House in 2019, has consistently denied the allegations, although a civil trial found him responsible on the balance of probabilities.

Auerbach’s testimony detailed that the network had paid for numerous expenses for Lehrmann, with one significant invoice from November 2022 amounting to $10,315 for charges at Sensai Thai Massage. Seven West Media has denied authorizing or condoning any such payments.

As the network grapples with these serious allegations, the “sexy Santas” stunt only adds to the growing concerns over its internal culture.