Paul Kent sacked after viral pub fight in Sydney

Paul Kent, a former rugby league pundit, was dismissed by News Corp following a viral video of a drunken street fight outside a Sydney pub on April 27. The incident led to charges of affray, which Kent faced in court, ultimately pleading guilty and receiving a two-year good behaviour bond. His dismissal occurred on May 30, during a period when he was also dealing with domestic violence charges that were later dismissed. Kent claimed that his sacking was unjust and labeled it a 'sham', arguing that he was not given a fair opportunity to present his side of the story. In his legal battle against News Corp, Kent expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of presumption of innocence during the domestic violence hearings, which he felt impacted his reputation and financial stability. He had been stood down for seven months prior to his dismissal, resulting in a significant loss of income. Kent's legal team highlighted that he had been privately managing a diagnosis of Asperger's syndrome for nearly a decade, asserting that this condition qualifies as a disability under the law. Recently, both parties reached a settlement regarding the unfair dismissal case, resolving the matter without further public comment. Kent's lawyer indicated that it was inappropriate to discuss the specifics of the settlement, and News Corp has also refrained from commenting on the situation. The resolution of this case marks a significant moment in Kent's career, following a tumultuous period marked by legal challenges and public scrutiny. The incident has drawn attention not only to Kent's personal struggles but also to broader issues surrounding media treatment of individuals facing legal challenges. The outcome of this case may influence how similar situations are handled in the future, particularly regarding the presumption of innocence and the treatment of individuals with disabilities in the workplace.