Roland Weißmann cites new chat logs in ORF misconduct case

Former ORF director Roland Weißmann has requested a reassessment of the circumstances surrounding his departure from the broadcaster, citing a “new factual situation.” In a letter to the ORF Foundation Board and Director General Ingrid Thurnher, Weißmann stated that he now possesses the complete chat history between himself and the employee who had accused him of misconduct.

According to reports, the logs consist of 3,820 exchanged messages. Weißmann claims that the full context fundamentally changes the perception of the case, suggesting the evidence shifts the situation “to the detriment of the ORF employee, her accomplices, and the ORF.” He further noted that the evaluations shed light on a long-standing relationship characterized by the employee’s “economic dependence” on her superior.

This development follows investigations into the employee and her lawyer, the latter of whom is being investigated on suspicion of serious extortion. While Weißmann did not name names, his comments regarding “inappropriate behavior” appear to reference Pius Strobl, who has previously denied allegations of a close relationship with the employee. Weißmann also renewed his criticism of the former leadership of the ORF Foundation Board.