SKY NEWS MAN ‘MADE SEX JIBES’ AT GUESTS
Sleazy remarks alleged during tribunal
A SKY News worker was reported to his bosses for making “sexually degrading remarks” and “thrusting motions” towards guests and presenters including Helen Mirren and Kay Burley. An employment tribunal heard floor manager Jimmy Lacey’s actions towards the Oscarwinning actor and veteran journalist were “inappropriate and offensive”. The allegations emerged as whistleblower Sean Duffy, who also worked for Sky, won his claim for unfair dismissal. Employment Judge Sarah Sage ruled Sean’s disclosure was “in the public interest” but had played no part in him leaving the company.
Sean spent almost six weeks shadowing Lacey in 2015.015.
He launched a formal grievance c l aiming Lacey referred to him in derogatory terms inn emails and said he feltt he shouldn’t bee employed by Sky.
The tribunal heard:d: “[Sean] also referred in his statement to witnessing serious sexualual harassment, including sexually degrading remarks and thrusting motions by Mr Lacey towards female presenters and guests including inclu (Kay)
Burleyy B and
Dame Helen Mirren.” In May 2016, Sean received a written apology from Lacey, although the sexual harassment claim was not upheld by the broadcaster. The tribunal in London ruled Sky’s Sk treatment of Sean “wwas calculated or likely to destroy de the relationship of trust” tru between them and up upheld the claim but concluded co the Lacey al legations were unconnected unc to his exit. A Sky spokesman declined dec to comment. Jimmy LaLacey, far left. Left, Kay Burley