Seb Costello has announced his departure from the Nine Network after 13 years with the broadcaster. Costello’s departure follows an internal review initiated by the broadcaster into an incident where Costello pursued an interview subject into a women’s public restroom.
In a statement Costello said: “After more than a decade at Nine, I have resigned from my role to seek a fresh challenge. I would like to thank Nine and wish the team all the best.”
A Nine spokesperson told Mediaweek, “Nine confirms that Seb Costello has resigned his employment. We wish him all the best.”
According to Calum Jaspan at The Sydney Morning Herald, Costello confirmed the news to the publication last week.
The incident
The resignation follows an incident in November where Costello and a camera crew pursued Mo Ahmed, a finance executive from Oak Capital, into a public bathroom at the InterContinental Hotel in Melbourne.
The incident involved Costello attempting to film and interview Ahmed over a cubicle door. Oak Capital is a firm currently facing legal action by the Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC). Ahmed subsequently alleged assault, prompting Nine to initiate an internal review of the events.
At the time, a Nine spokesperson addressed the matter, stating: “While we are aware of a range of allegations made against Nine by an individual representing a company facing legal proceedings commenced by ASIC, we believe the legal claim has no basis.”
During the review period, Costello was stood down from his duties. According to a source with direct knowledge of the situation, Costello remained stood down at the time of his resignation.
Past incidents
The incident occurred several months after Peter Costello, Seb’s father and the former federal treasurer, resigned as chairman of the Nine Network. His resignation followed a separate incident involving a clash with The Australian journalist Liam Mendes at Canberra Airport.
The incident, captured on video, showed Mendes questioning Costello about Nine’s handling of harassment allegations against its former news director Darren Wick. Mendes later fell to the ground during the exchange, though Costello denied any wrongdoing.
Meanwhile, the younger Costello has previously been involved in another high-profile incident. In 2022, he was fined and placed on a good behaviour bond following a verbal altercation with two neighbours that was referred to the police. He avoided a criminal record.
Pictured: Seb Costello