A news segment shows Chanel Seven presenters smoothly delivering a report about Novak Djokovic - just moments after badmouthing the tennis star off-air.
Seven News Melbourne presenters Rebecca Maddern and Mike Amor were caught criticising the world No.1 amid his visa debacle in a hot mic rant that was later leaked online.
Their expletive-laden rant, which appears to have taken place as they prepared to present the station's 6pm news program, included Maddern saying: 'whatever way you look at it, Novak Djokovic is a lying sneaky a***hole.'
'He got a bullshit f***ing excuse and then fell over his own f***ing lies. It's just what happens, right, that's what happened,' Amor responded.
His co-host said that there were multiple errors made in the process of cancelling and then reinstating Djokovic's visa to play at the Australian Open.
Rebecca Maddern and Mike Amor are seen in a screengrab from the video, released online on Tuesday night
7News Melbourne presenters Rebecca Maddern and Mike Amor were caught criticising the world No.1 amid his visa debacle in a hot mic rant that was later leaked online
Their expletive-laden rant, which appears to have taken place as they prepared to present the station's 6pm news program, included Maddern saying: 'whatever way you look at it, Novak Djokovic is a lying, sneaky, a***hole'
But minutes later, the journalists turned on their professionalism and donned straight-faced expressions to give an unbiased news report about the elite tennis player.
'Good evening. Novak Djokovic is facing new questions and a border force investigation into whether he provided false information in his travel declarations to get into Australia,' Amor reads smoothly.
Maddern, expressionless, adds: ' The tennis star is out of detention and ramping up his preparation for the Australian Open as the federal government decides whether it will cancel his visa, again.
Djokovic had landed in Australia with a medical exemption from vaccination on the basis he had tested positive to Covid-19 on December 16 but was detained for five days when border force officials denied the exemption.
He's since been released from detention but it is still unclear if he will be able to play in the Australian Open beginning on January 17.
'It is unfortunate that everyone stuffed up around him,' Maddern said during the leaked off-air conversation.
'I don't think anything was gained by putting him in (an) immigration hotel.'
Both presenters then agreed that Djokovic was 'going to get away with it'.
Meanwhile, furious Channel Seven bosses are racing to track down the person responsible for leaking 'illegal' footage of two the two journalists.
In a statement on Wednesday morning, Craig McPherson, Seven's Director of News and Public Affairs, said the person responsible for leaking the 'private conversation' would be dealt with.
'The illegal recording was of a private conversation between two colleagues,' he said.
'It was an underhanded, cowardly act in breach of the Victorian Listening Devices legislation the perpetrator of which will be accordingly dealt with when found.'
In the wake of the news presenters' comments, Twitter has erupted with many throwing their support behind the pair, while others have speculated leaking the footage was an inside job - or even a publicity stunt, given Maddern only recently began the role.
Entertainment journalist Peter Ford said finding the leaker can be 'narrowed down to the timecode you see in the top right hand corner' of the clip.
'Not every outlet getting the feed gets this. Also quite possibly it's not within 7 building itself as play out centre, affiliates and others get the feed,' he tweeted.
Entertainment journalist Peter Ford said finding the leaker can be 'narrowed down to the timecode you see in the top right hand corner'
Many Aussies supported the news presenters, agreeing with their thoughts on the world No.1
Some have speculated the leak was a 'PR stunt'
While many condemned the person for leaking the footage, they also supported Maddern and Amor's opinions
'It shouldn't have happened and no doubt there will be a witch-hunt. But what's the sin?
'Two experienced journalists having a private conversation about a heated and complex issue - and using language many people in the 'real world' use.'
Hundreds of other Twitter users weighed in, many in agreeance with Maddern and Amor's comments.
'Rebecca Maddern and Mike Amor staged this — l wonder what they'll have to say about Australian Formula One Grand Prix drivers!!' tweeted another.
'If news presenters are filmed 'behind scenes' in a closed studio, then the footage is not 'leaked' its a PR stunt... But Rebecca Maddern and Mike Amor weren't wrong,' wrote another.
'Honestly, the real Mike Amor and Rebecca Maddern as seen in this
