Federal Court Hears Antoinette Lattouf's Unfair Dismissal Case Against ABC

The Federal Court is currently hearing the unfair dismissal case of freelance journalist Antoinette Lattouf against the ABC after she was let go three days into a five-day contract for a social media post criticizing Israel's actions in Gaza. Lattouf alleges that she did not receive any directive prohibiting her from discussing Israel or Gaza, contrary to the ABC's claims of a breach of editorial policy. The Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance has called for an independent inquiry into the ABC's handling of the case, expressing concerns over external pressures influencing editorial decisions. Lattouf has also pointed out the apparent double standards in how the ABC treats social media communications, noting that reputable news organizations have published similar content without repercussion. Evidence presented in court includes Lattouf’s claims of receiving death threats and experiencing worsened mental health following her dismissal. The ABC is expected to defend its actions by calling key figures from its leadership during the trial.