Pianist Jayson Gillham ‘very disappointed’ after losing Melbourne Symphony Orchestra discrimination case

‘I will take some time to consider the court’s findings. In the meantime, my focus is on music,’ Jayson Gillham said in a post on Instagram. Photograph: Jay Kogler/AAP View image in fullscreen ‘I will take some time to consider the court’s findings. In the meantime, my focus is on music,’ Jayson Gillham said in a post on Instagram. Photograph: Jay Kogler/AAP Pianist Jayson Gillham ‘very disappointed’ after losing Melbourne Symphony Orchestra discrimination case The federal court on Friday threw out the concert pianist’s case against the MSO, finding he was not unfairly dismissed due to Gaza war comments Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast The concert pianist at the centre of a high-profile unfair dismissal case has revealed his deep disappointment with his courtroom defeat. Federal court justice Graeme Hill on Friday threw out Jayson Lloyd Gillham’s case against the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, finding he was not unfairly dismissed. The case centred on Gillham’s termination in August 2024 after he told a recital audience Israel had deliberately targeted some journalists to prevent the reporting of war crimes. Gillham claimed he was unlawfully discriminated against because of his political beliefs but Hill determined that was not the case; rather the orchestra was protecting its business interests and reputation. Sign up for the Breaking News Australia email The pianist delivered his reaction via social media on Saturday morning, stating he had been overwhelmed by messages since the loss. “I am understandably very disappointed by the court’s decision in this matter. I believe artists should be free to speak with integrity. This case was never just about me. My principles remain unchanged,” Gillham posted on Instagram. “I will take some time to consider the court’s findings. In the meantime, my focus is on music.” Dr Giuseppe Carabetta, an associate professor of workplace and business law at the University of Technology Sydney, said the court had affirmed an employer’s right to sack outspoken workers if done to protect organisational reputation or business interests. 6:27 Classical pianist Jayson Gillham loses discrimination case against MSO over Gaza comments – video “The key lesson from the Gillham decision is Australian employers are not being given a licence to punish workers for their political opinions,” he said. “But what the court has reinforced is organisations may regulate the use of their platforms, stages, brands and reputations.” Hill noted the orchestra had a policy of not supporting either side of the Gaza conflict and there was a custom of performers not making statements about sensitive political issues. skip past newsletter promotion after newsletter promotion That finding also supported employers who wanted to avoid taking a stance on highly contentious issues, Carabetta said. “The judgment gives some comfort to organisations seeking to maintain political neutrality, provided they can demonstrate that th