Ray Hadley sued over alleged abuse

2GB's Ray Hadley is being sued over allegedly bullying the stations digital content manager, Richard Palmer (pictured).

Palmer is being represented by the high-profile Sydney media lawyer John Laxon, and the lawsuit has been filed against Hadley himself rather than 2GB.

A statement of claim has been lodged in the District Court of NSW, alleging that Hadley deliberately inflicted psychological harm on Palmer. 

Hadley is also facing allegations of false imprisonment as a work colleague 'guarded' the door to Hadley's office whilst he allegedly verbally abused Palmer.

It is believed that on 7 February Hadley requested Palmer come to his office to explain why a podcast had not yet been uploaded. Prior to the exchange, Palmer activated the record function on his iPhone, and secretly recorded the conversation as he was concerned about the effect on his employment.

The recording allegedly shows extraordinary abuse of a graphic, personal and aggressive nature from Hadley to Palmer.

After hearing the recording, Macquarie's Managing Director Rob Loewenthal was apparently horrified and subsequently suspended Hadley. This suspension was then over-ruled by Macquarie's majority shareholder John Singleton, who reinstated Hadley to his morning show the following day.

Hadley subsequently fronted a staff meeting and in an emotional address apologised for his behaviour, promising to change his approach. 

Richard Palmer has not attended the 2GB offices since 14 February this year.

Read more in the Sydney Morning Herald here.