Poisoned pen: Investigation clears Twiggy over reports of ‘relationship’ with employee
Fortescue Metals engaged a law firm to investigate the behaviour of executive chairman Andrew Forrest after receiving an anonymous letter.
Andrew 'Twiggy' Forrest, pictured with his now-estranged wife Nicola Forrest has been exonerated claims that he had an improper relationship with a Fortescue Metals employee. (AAP Image/Supplied by University of WA)
Seyfarth Shaw LLP concluded that none of the matters in the letter were substantiated and there were no adverse findings, a Fortescue Metals spokesman told AAP on Monday in a statement.
The statement did not disclose the nature of the allegations.
The Australian Financial Review reported on Sunday the investigation involved whether Dr Forrest had had a relationship with a Fortescue employee.
Dr Forrest, 61, and his wife Nicola Forrest announced on Thursday they had decided to separate after 31 years of marriage.
Fortescue said it selected Seyfarth Shaw to investigate because the law firm had demonstrated expertise in investigations of this nature and were independent, having never previously represented Fortescue or Dr Forrest.
The law firm’s legal fees weren’t contingent on any particular finding or outcome, and Seyfarth Shaw was provided with full access to electronic records, documents, employees and information to conduct a forensic review, Fortescue said.
Seyfarth Shaw Australian managing partner Darren Perry led the probe.
Fortescue said it provides a number of channels for team members to report complaints either anonymously or in person, in keeping with accepted whistle-blower protocols, and remained committed to doing so.
