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ORF Dismisses Ex-Director Roland Weißmann After Probe Finds No Legal Sexual Harassment

The move signals ORF is enforcing leadership ethics beyond the legal standard.

Overview

  • ORF said Wednesday that an internal and external compliance review found the conduct did not meet Austria’s legal definition of sexual harassment.
  • Despite that finding, the broadcaster will dissolve Weißmann’s employment, citing breaches of compliance and ethics rules and a need to avoid any appearance of improper behavior.
  • Weißmann rejects the claim of rule breaches, and his lawyer announced legal action over the forced resignation, the termination, and alleged damage to his reputation.
  • ORF said both Weißmann and the employee took part in voluntary interviews, and it will not share further investigative details due to data protection and personality rights.
  • Ingrid Thurnher is serving as interim chief until an August vote for a new director, a decision now set against a likely court fight and scrutiny of ORF’s governance and trust.