Former Al-Jazeera exec denies 'smear campaign'

CLAIMS DENIED: Parsons said Burgin’s contract was not renewed because her relationship with Clark. (Getty Images)

Former managing editor of Al-Jazeera English Nigel Parsons has denied launching a “smear campaign” against an ex-employee who is suing the broadcaster for $1.75 million.

Jo Burgin, former head of planning, claims she suffered sex, race and religious discrimination during her time at the Doha-based channel.

The 49-year-old told an employment tribunal hearing in London last week that her Arab bosses had “publicly humiliated” her and eventually sacked her for being a “white, Christian, British female”.

Speaking at the hearing on Thursday, Parsons denied these claims, stating that Burgin left the company in April 2007 after he refused to renew her contract, UK daily the Guardian reported on Friday.

He said Burgin’s contract was not renewed because her relationship with boss Steve Clark meant they could no longer work together.

He said both Burgin and Clark, former director of news, had been offered new jobs within the company, but had refused.

"I did not want to dismiss her," said Parsons. "She was offered a role in a different part of the company.

"When Jo refused to move departments we decided not to renew her contract."

Parsons said staff had complained about Burgin’s relationship with Clark, now her husband, describing it as “intimidating”.

He said Burgin “threw her weight around" and she and Clark "failed to separate their work and private lives".

Parsons also said he had been made aware of “performance issues” relating to Burgin, but denied he ordered staff to hunt through emails to find evidence that would make Jo Burgin look incompetent.

He said he’d asked for examples from staff and been told there were emails to this affect.

Al-Jazeera English has denied all the charges brought against them by Burgin.

The tribunal continues.

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