In the Federal Court defamation case involving Bruce Lehrmann, Taylor Auerbach testified about incidents involving Lehrmann, including one in November 2022 where they had booked Thai masseuses. Auerbach later texted about having “got the greatest yarns ever.” Lehrmann allegedly invoiced Seven for expenses related to drug and prostitution use, with approval from Spotlight’s executive producer. Documents show a $750 expense by Lehrmann for drugs and prostitutes. Auerbach had previously used a company credit card for similar expenses, resulting in a resignation offer that was rejected by Seven, leading to a promotion and pay rise offer.
During Lehrmann’s criminal trial in Canberra in October 2022 for a sexual assault charge involving Brittany Higgins, Auerbach met with Lehrmann’s media minder to discuss a potential Spotlight interview. Lehrmann maintained his innocence in the assault case, which was later dropped due to misconduct and other issues. Auerbach mentioned discussions about payment for the interview going into a trust account. Ultimately, Seven paid Lehrmann’s rent for a year under an exclusive interview deal. Auerbach admitted to disliking Steve Jackson, attributing part of his contract non-renewal to him.
Auerbach alleges Lehrmann provided him with over 2300 text messages between Higgins and her ex-boyfriend during a golfing trip, a claim Lehrmann denied. Lehrmann had previously denied giving documents to Seven, instead stating he had only given an interview. Ten alleges that if Lehrmann leaked the messages, it constitutes a contempt of court and abuse of process. The text messages were part of the investigation into Higgins’ allegation that Lehrmann sexually assaulted her in 2019. Ten also claims that Auerbach’s evidence could show undisclosed benefits Lehrmann received for interviews, which should have been disclosed prior to trial.
Following Auerbach’s testimony, Seven issued a statement distancing itself from the behavior described and stating it does not reflect the company’s culture. Auerbach claimed that superiors instructed him to keep quiet about previous questionable expenses and to make transactions to clear them using cash. Auerbach stands by his claim of receiving a promotion and pay rise after the incidents with Lehrmann. Lehrmann’s barrister questioned Auerbach about a statement from Seven denying these claims, with Auerbach unable to recall receiving confirming documents. The implications of Auerbach’s evidence point to potential misconduct on Lehrmann’s part and raise questions about the integrity of the legal proceedings.
