Sacked ABC star Antoinette Lattouf takes brutal swipe at national broadcaster after awkward act | Daily Mail Online
Antoinette Lattouf criticized the ABC for seeking Australians' experiences regarding political expression at work. This follows her dismissal from the ABC after sharing a post on Gaza, which she claims was politically motivated. Lattouf has initiated legal proceedings against the broadcaster for alleged breach of policies, with the case heading to federal court next year. ABC management's rejection of her settlement proposal has drawn criticism from the union representing its staff.
Antoinette Lattouf has publicly criticized the ABC following their call for Australians to report instances where their employers attempted to control their political expressions. This comes in light of Lattouf's recent dismissal from the broadcaster amid ongoing controversies regarding her social media activity.
ABC Solicits Confidential Reports from Australians
The ABC recently invited Australians to share their experiences regarding employer control over political expression. The broadcaster's Instagram story, posted on Saturday, explicitly asked for individuals to come forward confidentially, indicating a commitment to highlight workplace dynamics concerning political discussions. Lattouf responded to this call with skepticism, sharing a screenshot of the story with a sarcastic remark.
Lattouf's Dismissal Sparks Legal Action
Antoinette Lattouf, who was abruptly let go from her role as a fill-in host on Radio Sydney just days into her assignment, is now pursuing legal action against the ABC. Her dismissal followed her sharing a Human Rights Watch video that addressed the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. This action led her to allege that the decision was politically motivated, linked to her heritage and views on Palestine.
Dispute Over Employment Policies and Terms of Dismissal
Lattouf’s legal team asserts that the ABC violated its own disciplinary guidelines by terminating her employment. The national broadcaster counters that Lattouf breached its social media policy concerning impartiality, although they clarified that she was compensated for the full week of her hosting duties. The Fair Work Commission has acknowledged Lattouf's termination, which will be further investigated in federal court next year.
Rejection of Settlement and Union Support
Lattouf's settlement request, which sought a public apology, reinstatement, and $85,000, has been declined by the ABC. The national broadcaster has remained firm in its defense against the claims of unfair dismissal and is reported to have made an undisclosed counter-offer. The ABC's national union committee has voiced disappointment with management's refusal to accept Lattouf's settlement proposal, branding it as a modest offer.
Concerns over Rising Legal Costs
Concerns have been raised regarding the financial implications of the ongoing legal dispute. Union representatives warned that continuing this legal battle could lead to mounting costs, which would ultimately impact the ABC's operational and staff budgets. They urged management to resolve the matter amicably before the upcoming Federal Court hearing on February 27, highlighting that Lattouf had not committed any wrongdoing.
Transparency Issues Surrounding Legal Expenses
The ABC's management has faced criticism for not disclosing legal fees related to Lattouf's case and for engaging the services of a high-profile US law firm, Seyfarth Shaw. The total legal expenditures incurred by the ABC in this case remain undisclosed, even as questions were raised during Senate inquiries. The government is currently addressing these questions regarding the broadcaster's legal expenses and promises to provide clarity in due course.
