After a tough week for Channel Ten following the news they’re going into voluntary administration, they’ve been dealt another blow.
Today it was revealed that former I’m A Celeb star Tom Arnold has officially filed a lawsuit against the network.
The funnyman alleges he was defrauded by the company after they blocked out his schedule for a comedy tour that never happened.
Tom’s lawyer Marty Singer explained that his client signed up for the reality show and a follow-up tour in exchange for a total payment of $USD425,000.
“It was agreed orally and confirmed in writing that the guaranteed compensation to be paid for the two engagements – as a package – would be $425,000 [$AU560,000],” Marty said.
“Plaintiffs agreed to the deal and blocked off Arnold’s schedule in prime summer months when he typically receives his best engagements and highest compensation.”
As a result of the tour not happening, Tom claims he’s owed $USD140,000 for his two weeks in the South African jungle.
Channel 10 have no desire to go down without a fight, with a spokesperson quashing the allegations.
“All amounts owed to Tom Arnold by Network Ten have been paid. We have fully discharged all our obligations to Tom Arnold.”
Adding in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, “And we have received no notice of any legal proceedings.”
Tom also claims he was the victim of bad editing during his time on the show.
“Network Ten ensured Arnold that its depiction of Arnold on the Program would not endanger the Australian comedy tour,” Marty remarked.
Now To Love spoke to Tom right after he left the jungle… And in no uncertain terms he shared his thoughts on appearing on the reality show.
“I think this show is better for them [the other camp mates], because apparently you can get work in Australia from being good on this show, and that’s what I want them to do,” he told us at the time.
But wait, there’s more! Tom continued, “I’ll get them a role in a movie if that’s what they want. A little role, for real… IN AMERICA. But to get a real show, they need to shine since they’re from Australia.”