Sexual harassment claims denied by LEGO MASTERS producer

In a recent development concerning Nine’s Lego Masters, associate producer Dave Holder has refuted allegations of sexual harassment made against him by Lego sorter Rebecca Smith.

Holder, who is also accused of sleeping with employees and inappropriately asking a contestant for a date, is now counterclaiming that Smith fabricated parts of their “personal” relationship.

Last week, The Australian broke the story that Smith has initiated a $150,000 lawsuit against Holder and Endemol Shine, the production company behind well-known shows like The Bachelor, Masterchef, and Survivor. Smith’s suit contends that she was subject to a hostile work environment, gender-based mistreatment, and persistent unwelcome questioning by Holder.

Legal documents outline Holder’s defence. He argues that Smith voluntarily shared details about her love life, including tales of men asking her out and her “standards in relation to the men being too high.”

The defence states that Smith informed Holder that a security guard from the Ninja Warrior show had asked her out. Holder counters Smith’s claim that he repeatedly discussed his own sexual history with co-workers, stating it was she who broached the topic.

According to court documents, Smith allegedly said, “I can’t believe you slept with Marion,” referring to an employee Holder was involved with a decade ago.

Furthermore, Holder denies ever showing Smith an explicit video related to his band’s song The Goon Song. According to his account, the conversation between them about music videos was initiated by Smith, who mentioned that a video by New Zealand artist Benee was filmed in her home. Holder asserts that Smith turned off a demo track he played for her after only 10 seconds, claiming she “hated the singer’s voice.”

Holder also repudiates allegations that he commented on Smith’s underwear. His version maintains that he made a general remark to Smith and her co-workers about avoiding white T-shirts in the rain.

In an added layer of complexity, Holder labels Smith as anti-vaccination, stating this led to “tension” between them and contributed to her being barred from a season wrap-up party.

Endemol Shine, for its part, has issued a formal denial of failing to provide a safe work environment for Smith. The company also rejects claims that production executive Arianna Gusi defended Holder’s character when Smith attempted to report the alleged harassment.

According to Endemol Shine, “Ms Gusi was not familiar with Mr Holder until Ms Smith raised concerns about his alleged inappropriate conduct and therefore had no personal opinions regarding his character.”

SOURCE – The Australian