Former Seven Producer Appeals Ruling Blocking Subpoena of Federal Court Judge

Auerbach is representing himself in a defamation suit against Seven. He seeks to strike out the network's cross-claim alleging breach of confidentiality obligations. Wheelahan ruled that compelling Lee to testify would undermine judicial independence. The judge also described Auerbach's allegations against Seven as difficult to understand and unsupported by evidence.

Background to the Dispute Auerbach's original evidence in the Bruce Lehrmann defamation case included claims that Seven paid for Lehrmann's cocaine and sex workers. Seven denied the allegations and stated it acted appropriately. After losing his position at Seven, Auerbach sued the network, alleging statements to the media defamed him.

Seven responded with the cross-claim now at issue. Auerbach also faces a preliminary hearing on Friday before Justice Robert Bromwich in a separate defamation suit against News Corp and journalists at The Australian. All parties declined to comment.