The Seven Network has threatened legal action against Amber Harrison, the woman at the centre of the Tim Worner sex scandal, if she chooses to go ahead with a mooted tell-all interview with rival Nine Network.
In this latest twist in the sordid saga, it is understood Seven's lawyers have told the former executive assistant she risks beng pursued for proceeds of crime if she goes ahead with any paid interview with either A Current Affair or 60 Minutes.
The legal letter is understood to cite the Proceeds of Crime Act – despite the fact no interview has been agreed, no discussion of payment for any such interview has been concluded, nor have any criminal proceedings been brought against Harrison.
Outstanding!
It's an extraordinary pre-emptive strike from the embattled TV network as it grapples to control a situation over which it seems to have less control with every passing day. A source close to Harrison says since she went public with her story she has taken meetings with every TV network (except Seven, obviously) and spoken to all the major newspapers. The source added she has no intention of taking up any of their offers to tell her side of the story. At least not yet.
A Nine source confirmed they had met with Harrison, who now lives in Melbourne, but that no interview had been agreed – paid or otherwise.
Meanwhile, rumblings of discontent are starting to leak out of the Seven West Media board, whose two female members have made no secret of their distaste for the way the issue has been handled. It is believed non-executive directors Michelle Deaker and Sheila McGregor have expressly instructed that the independent report on the scandal, announced by Seven just before Christmas and currently being undertaken by the law firm Allens, be delivered to them directly upon completion and not be relayed by a proxy.
Hold on tight, people. This one is going to get uglier.
