Paul Kent Claims Unfair Dismissal from News Corp, Discloses Asperger’s Syndrome Battle
Paul Kent, former football commentator, is claiming unfair dismissal from News Corp after being sacked for his involvement in a public brawl. Kent, who has privately managed Asperger's syndrome for nearly a decade, alleges his condition was not accommodated by his employer. He accuses News Corp of wrongful termination without due process and seeks compensation for his mental health decline and lost entitlements. Kent has faced significant public and media scrutiny following charges of domestic violence that were ultimately dismissed, further complicating his case against the company.
Paul Kent, a former football commentator, has revealed that he has been privately managing a diagnosis of Asperger's syndrome for nearly ten years. This disclosure comes as he pursues an unfair dismissal claim against News Corp after losing his roles at Fox Sports and the Daily Telegraph following a public brawl in Sydney.
Kent's Background and Dismissal
Paul Kent, aged 54, has taken legal action against Nationwide News Pty Ltd, the publisher behind the Daily Telegraph, claiming he was unfairly dismissed after a street fight incident four months ago. Prior to this, Kent had notified his employer nearly nine years ago about his diagnosis of Asperger's syndrome, a recognised disability under the law. Kent asserts that following the altercation outside a Sydney pub, he was never given an opportunity to explain his conduct before being dismissed.
Details of the Altercation
The incident in question occurred on April 27, when Kent reportedly confronted Tamer Uzun after feeling provoked regarding the ongoing domestic violence allegations against him. Following a lengthy drinking session, the verbal confrontation escalated into a physical fight, during which Kent sustained injuries, including broken ribs. Kent contends that the intense media scrutiny and public fallout from the brawl have severely impacted his mental health.
Allegations Against News Corp
In his claim to the Fair Work Commission, Kent described his dismissal as a 'sham' and accused News Corp of breaching multiple employment laws. He believes that the company acted arbitrarily in terminating his employment just days after the brawl, without giving him the chance to defend himself. Kent alleges that his sacking is linked to his earlier wrongful accusations concerning domestic violence, charges which were ultimately dismissed.
Kent's Claims Regarding Fairness and Support
Kent has expressed concerns over reasonable adjustments not being made in relation to his Asperger's syndrome, which he claims exacerbated his mental health issues. He argues that during his suspension, he was subjected to a significant amount of online abuse, leading to severe stress and humiliation. Furthermore, he claims that the company did not provide him with adequate support during this challenging period.
Legal Proceedings and Kent's Future
Following the brawl incident, both Fox Sports and the Daily Telegraph suspended Kent for several months while the domestic violence charges were addressed legally. Kent's Fair Work Commission application, submitted before the final court outcome, seeks not only wage compensation for the period he was stood down but also damages for the impact on his mental health and overall well-being. Meanwhile, Tamer Uzun has pleaded not guilty to charges relating to the altercation and is expected to return to court next month.
