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Television New Zealand has pulled the plug on plans to use Tony Veitch as a host for the Beijing Olympics.
Police yesterday announced an investigation had been launched into allegations Veitch assaulted his former partner Kristin Dunne-Powell in 2006.
No complaint was laid following the incident and Veitch allegedly later paid Ms Dunne-Powell $100,000 in exchange for her silence. The Herald reported today that the payment may have been as much as $170,000.
TVNZ chief executive Rick Ellis today confirmed Veitch would not be involved in the broadcaster's Olympic programming.
"The company is still progressing through a process with Mr Veitch and his legal representatives. Staff and equipment are already on their way to the games, so for logistical reasons while we await the outcome of the process we are in, we have made the call to pull his accreditation," Mr Ellis said.
He said Veitch would also remain off air for all other TVNZ programmes.
TVNZ spokeswoman Megan Richards said the broadcaster hoped to make an announcement about a replacement for Veitch next week.
The network had earlier stood Veitch down from his sports presenter role on One News.
Mr Ellis told One News yesterday he only found out about the incident involving Ms Dunne-Powell on Monday - the day the allegations broke.
He said no one at TVNZ had been involved in brokering the agreement between the couple.
He said TVNZ wanted to be as open as it could, but must also consider its duties as a fair employer.
"There are complex employment and privacy aspects to this situation that restrict what can be said publicly. I would ask for the public's patience while we go through our processes in a proper way."
Workmates have been distancing themselves from the shamed broadcaster, with Matthew Ridge saying he may not want to appear on television quiz show Game of Two Halves with him.
Ridge told the Dominion Post newspaper that the alleged assault sounded pretty horrific and inexcusable.
"It's despicable. I've never been one to condone violence, especially violence against women. In my book it is a no no."
Veitch's workmates at Radio Sport yesterday expressed support for him though were quick to condemn his actions.
D'arcy Waldegrave, deputising on the morning slot for Veitch, felt he could have handled the assault revelations better.
"I think the alleged cover-up didn't do him any favours.
Senior broadcaster Brendan Telfer said no one at Radio Sport would make excuses for what Veitch had done.
"If he had not sincerely showed to me a sense of regret and remorse (on Monday) I probably would have ended my friendship with him."
Veitch's co-host Kathryn Harby-Williams was also supportive.
"People deserve a second chance. I've seen Tony, he's absolutely remorseful, he went to counselling to get help."
- NZPA, NZ HERALD STAFF
