Sacked TV2 Host to take legal action

Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

21 June 2003
Sacked TV2 Host to take legal action

Jonathan Marshall (18) the host of TV2's Queer Nation who was dismissed from independent production company Livingstone Productions has today filed papers with the Employment Relations Authority over his sacking from the award winning television program.

Mr Marshall, who was billed as New Zealand's youngest television journalist, was dismissed from Livingstone Productions following an investigation by both Television New Zealand and Livingstone Productions. It came after TVNZ presenter Mike Hosking complained to TVNZ that Mr Marshall had taken paparazzi style photographs of him, leaving the home of fellow TV presenter and friend, Kate Hawkesby.

Mr Marshall invited Livingstone Productions to attend mediation to resolve the matter. The production company through their lawyers, Simpson and Grierson refused.

Now, Mr Marshall is seeking reinstatement on the program and costs for humiliation and hurt to the sum of $10,000 with prominent employment lawyer Richard Harrison acting as counsel.

Mr Marshall says he is disappointed that the matter will end up in court but feels that the unjustified dismissal needs to be assessed by an authority.

Mr Marshall started work at Queer Nation in February 2003.

Jonathan Marshall 021 2366 728

© Scoop Media