Erin Molan responds to Footy Show backlash over fat shaming: “I’m totally appalled”
Erin Molan has responded to backlash from viewers of Channel 9’s Sunday Footy Show panel, after a segment was slammed for shaming former NRL forward Dave Taylor.
The segment was intended to showcase a gutsy play from the athlete but instead, appeared to make fun of his size in an attempt of humour that backfired.
Taylor, who played for the Canberra Raiders last season, was poked fun at for his appearance by the panel, which included Erin Molan, Peter Sterling and Brad Fittler.
“He was a gun player in his day, wasn’t he?” asked host Molan.
NSW Blues coach Brad Fittler responded, “What an athlete.”
Former Tigers player and co-host Joel Caine also joined in.
“Well Dave, look, it’s a three-letter word, 'fit', OK, but it’s very easy to turn the ‘i’ into an ‘a’, that’s all I’m saying — get that ‘a’ back to an ‘i’,” he said.
After the backlash from viewers, host Erin Molan took to Twitter to share her regret over the segment.
“Absolutely appalled by this,” she wrote.
“Unreservedly apologise on behalf of the show to Dave Taylor. The panel were expecting this vision to show a gun try or big hit as our gusty play. There was no malice or intent to offend but that doesn’t matter. We are sorry.”
Dave Taylor currently plays for the Central Queensland Capras for Queensland’s League and the CEO of the team, Peter White, hit back at the show after the episode aired.
“Our club is proud to have Dave Taylor as part of our organisation and while Dave will be the first to admit he is not playing his best football, personal circumstances have affected his life this year,” White said.
“Dave’s wellbeing is vitally important to us and I have no doubt next year we will see the best of him.
“The Channel 9 Footy Show hosts comments are totally unprofessional to say the least, and they should rightfully so be feeling very ashamed of their behaviour.”
A spokesman for Channel Nine also apologised to Dave Taylor.
“Nine would like to apologise to former NRL player Dave Taylor for any offence caused by a segment on the Sunday Footy Show yesterday,” a spokesman for Channel Nine said.
“We apologise to Dave Taylor for yesterday’s segment on the Sunday Footy Show.
“It was not the intention of the show to embarrass him.
“He’s been a wonderful rugby league player for many years, and through his playing and his personality off the field has contributed greatly to rugby league in this country.”
Some viewers also agreed that the segment was harsh.
“It's a cheap shot at a guy who has always been quite big. If his weight has blown out, it's no-one else's business but his own to be honest. Imagine if they'd taken aim at Erin Molan's weight/figure instead; they'd be an uproar to rival all uproars,” wrote one.
“@Erin_Molan @JoelCaine absolutely disgusting fat shaming Dave Taylor, goes to show the double standards in the media industry. No wonder Australian men have the highest suicide rates in the world, should be sacked by @Channel9 but we know that won't happen,” added another.
Do you think the segment crossed the line? Let us know in the comments below.