Australia’s most notorious apartment is located in Sydney’s Elizabeth Bay, where former Spotlight producer Taylor Auerbach’s grandparents owned a classic art deco design. This apartment became infamous due to claims that Auerbach and Bruce Lehrmann brought Thai sex workers there in 2022. This apartment also hosted interviews with controversial figures such as Craig McLachlan and Anthony Koletti. The tumultuous trio behind the show, chief of staff Steve Jackson, Auerbach, and executive producer Mark Llewellyn, have been embroiled in scandal leading to a defamation suit being reopened.
Former colleagues of Llewellyn and employees of Seven have described the culture at Spotlight as a throwback to a bygone era of journalism, with intense work hours, boozy lunches, and a chaotic environment. Llewellyn, known for his relentless pursuit of stories, has faced allegations of unethical behavior and a culture of ethic challenges within the show. Despite the criticisms, Llewellyn is still considered a creative genius in the industry.
Llewellyn’s career has been marked by controversy, with abrupt job changes and alleged incidents of violence. He has benefitted from expedient forgiveness from major networks, such as Seven, where he has been able to continue working despite accusations against him. Spotlight’s bombshell exclusives, such as the interview with Craig McLachlan or Cocaine Cassie, have stirred controversy and led to legal battles due to their impact on the people involved.
The Lehrmann interviews, paid for by Spotlight, have brought further turmoil to the show and its creators. Auerbach’s claims about the lengths they went to secure the stories, including covering expenses for meals, accommodations, and even sex workers, have raised ethical questions and led to legal challenges. The fallout from the Lehrmann interviews has caused a rift between Auerbach, Jackson, and Llewellyn, leading to a defamation suit and internal turmoil at Seven.
The future of Spotlight remains uncertain as the fallout from the Lehrmann interviews continues. Former colleagues and industry insiders are questioning Llewellyn’s leadership and decision-making, with concerns about the show’s reputation and the impact on the 7News brand. Llewellyn’s isolation and risk-taking behavior have left many wondering what’s next for the controversial producer and the future of Spotlight. The scandal has shone a light on ethics in journalism and the challenges faced by media organizations in maintaining integrity and accountability.
