Lego Masters Australia associate producer Dave Holder has denied claims of sexual harassment made against him by Lego sorter Rebecca Smith.
In September, The Australian reported that Smith had initiated a $150,000 lawsuit against Holder and Endemol Shine, the production company behind the hit Channel Nine series.
She alleged that she was denied a safe workspace, treated unfairly because she was a woman and constantly fielded inappropriate questions from Holder.
Smith also claimed that the associate producer had shown her a video of him simulating sex with a box of goon, bragged about sexual relationships with other employees and once asked a contestant on a date.
The publication has since confirmed that Holder filed his defence in the civil proceeding, which stated that Smith voluntarily brought up details about her romantic relationships.
He also rejected his co-worker’s claim that he repeatedly brought up his relationships with fellow Lego sorters, alleging that Smith raised the subject.
“[Smith] said to [Holder], unprompted, words to the effect of ‘I can’t believe you slept with Marion’, referring to an employee… [Holder] had a relationship with about 10 years prior to this exchange,” the documents read.
“[Smith) continued to tease [Holder], including with a comment to… the effect of ‘she doesn’t seem to be your type’.”
Lego Masters producer Dave Holder further denies explosive claims made against him
The Lego Masters producer further denied claims that he had told Smith about nude images another colleague had sent him. He alleged he had never received such photos to begin with.
He also said he didn’t show Smith a music video for his band’s song, The Goon Song, in which pretends to have sex with a box of cask wine on a bed.
According to the defence, Smith initiated a conversation in which she said New Zealand pop artist Benee’s music video for hit Superlonely had been filmed at her home.
Holder then asked if she wanted to hear a demo track his band had recently recorded for a song called Kick On — an entirely different track to what she alleged.
Holder described his colleague as an anti-vaxxer, which “created tension” in their relationship. It also meant she was denied attendance at a Lego Masters season wrap party.
Endemol Shine rejects allegations it failed to uphold safe work standards
The Australian reported that Endemol Shine has also denied any suggestion that the company failed to uphold safe work standards for Smith.
It also denied she was treated less favourably because of her gender.
The company also rejected claims that production executive, Arianna Gusi, defended Holder’s character when Smith attempted to report the alleged harassment.
“Ms Gusi was not familiar with [Holder)] until [Smith] raised concerns about his alleged inappropriate conduct and therefore had no personal opinions regarding his character,” its defence read.
Holder has not been charged over any of the alleged conduct.
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