Helen Cohen-Alon, a divorced mother of three from Johannesburg, may renege on an on-air deal to take a lie detector test live at SeaFM’s studios (see earlier story) because the station is refusing to pay in excess of $100,000.
In an interview with Paul Gale during the breakfast show on August 14, Cohen-Alon agreed to undertake a polygraph because she insisted: “It isn’t about the money…it’s about the truth.”
SeaFM Program Director Ross Turner said it is “disappointing” that Cohen-Alon may not “follow through on her word.”
“SeaFM is looking forward to Ms Cohen-Alon’s visit which will provide an opportunity for Shane Warne to prove his innocence,” said Turner.
Off air negotiations are being conducted through Cohen-Alon’s legal advisor, Gary Moonsam, who sent the following initial list of expenses for both parties:
1. Air tickets by South African Airways or Qantas business class
2. Accomodation at any five star hotel of SeaFM’s choice (meals included)
3. A travel allowance of $20,000.00 AUD each based on a stay of five to seven days
4. $20,000.00 AUD compensation for the loss of business during the absence of both Ms Cohen-Alon and Mr Moonsam ‘as this is an unplanned trip at extremely short notice’.
Moonsam said: “I want to stress that this is not viewed as an all expenses paid holiday, but an ideal opportunity to give the Australian people an objective and truthful viewpoint assuring all parties the highest level of integrity from both Ms Helen Cohen-Alon and myself at all times.”
SeaFM was extremely surprised by the request and made a fairer offer that included return economy airfares with Qantas and limousine transfers within Australia, accommodation at a 4-5 star hotel (breakfast included) and a travel allowance of $100.00 AUD each based on a stay of four to five days. There was no offer of compensation for loss of business during the trip.
This offer was declined.
Lawyer Moonsam said: “I must place on the record that I am extremely insulted by your offer.”
A counter offer to remove the $20,000.00 AUD compensation each for loss of business expenses has been removed from the deal. SeaFM is still in negotiations.
Ross Turner said:“Despite Ms Cohen-Alon’s intentions it does appear that the trip to the Gold Coast is an attempt to secure an all expenses paid first-class holiday. If Ms Cohen-Alon is really interested in telling the truth, without profit, she has every opportunity to do so through SeaFM’s generous offer.”