Peter Ford has labelled the recent development in the Bruce Lehrmann defamation case, a ‘PR disaster’ for Channel Seven.

Ford says he believes no one at the broadcaster was aware they were reimbursing Lehrmann for alleged sex workers.

“But Taylor Auerbach is a very, very odd cat … he’s making a lot of claims and it’s damaging,” he told Jimmy Bartel and Mark Allen, filling in for Ross and Russ.

Press PLAY to hear his thoughts on the development

The defamation case was launched by the former Liberal party staffer after allegations of sexual assault by Brittany Higgins were published in a broadcasted interview by Lisa Wilkinson in 2021. He has always denied the allegations.

Seven said in a statement it strongly denied Auerbach’s “false and misleading claims”. 

“Furthermore, Seven did not condone or authorise the alleged payments to Mr Lehrmann referred to in the affidavits,” a Seven spokesman said.

“The person involved admitted to the misuse of a Seven corporate card and all unauthorised expenses were immediately reimbursed.”

Image: Getty Images – Martin Ollman.