Rebel Sport’s owner denies $50m bullying claim, undisclosed CEO relationship

The board of Rebel Sport owner, Super Retail Group, has denied bombshell allegations of an undisclosed relationship involving its chief executive Anthony Heraghty and bullying claims that are expected to form the basis of a $50 million lawsuit.

The company, which also owns Supercheap Auto, Macpac and BCF, told the ASX on Friday that it expects two employees, represented by Harmers Workplace Lawyers, will shortly commence court proceedings in a damages claim in the range of $30 million to $50 million.

Super Retail said it expects the proceedings’ allegations to include the non-disclosure of a relationship between Heraghty and the group’s former HR boss, who is not one of the two employees making the claim.

Other allegations include inappropriate company travel, bullying, victimisation and adverse treatment. This includes particular employees in the corporate team having unreasonable workloads, insufficient resources and restricted access to information.

“The Board has conducted a review and investigations into these allegations. The Board was supported by independent external advisers. The Board’s review and investigations concluded that none of the allegations are substantiated,” the company said.

The company was made aware of the allegations in December last year, when the investigation started.

Super Retail said it will defend any court proceedings in relation to the allegations via its lawyers from Allens: “As these matters are expected to be the subject of litigation, the Group does not intend to make any further comment at this time. The Group will update the market on this matter as appropriate.”

Harmers has been approached for a response to the announcement.

Super Retail shares dropped more than 8 per cent this morning to a low of $13.65, after the announcement was made.