Popular game show host Andrew O’Keefe has been let go by Channel 7 after allegedly physically assaulting his partner over the weekend.
O’Keefe, 49, was arrested and charged on the weekend, with police alleging that he punched his partner Dr Orly Lavee in the face, punctured her lower lip, pulled her hair, spat on her and kicked her in the back of the legs, according to the Daily Telegraph.
Channel 7 has ended their 17-year professional relationship with the star following the charges, confirming that “he is no longer with the network.”
“Seven is obviously very concerned to read the reports regarding Andrew O’Keefe. Seven has had a 17-year relationship with Andrew across a number of programs, although he is no longer with the network,” a Channel 7 spokesperson told news.com.au.
“As this is a police matter before the courts, we cannot comment further.
“The program hosted by Andrew, The Chase Australia, is not currently in production. The program is produced for Seven by ITV Studios Australia. Production will resume soon and a decision about who will host future series is still to be made.”
TV Blackbox reports that O’Keefe’s contract with the network ended in 2020, however it is unclear if they were in talks to renew the contract prior to the charges.
The allegations against O’Keefe are particularly concerning considering he is the son of ex-NSW Supreme Court Justice Barry O’Keefe and was one of the founding members of the White Ribbon Foundation – a charity dedicated to domestic violence victims.
Dr Lavee has been granted an interim apprehended violence order, which means O’Keefe will be unable to contact her unless through a lawyer until at least Thursday when the assault charge will be heard in court.
Sources close to O’Keefe claim he intends to fight the charges in court.
Help is available.
If you require immediate assistance, please call 000.
If you’d like to speak to someone about domestic violence, please call the 1800
Respect hotline on 1800 737 732 or chat online.
Under 25? You can reach Kids Helpline at 1800 55 1800 or chat online.
