Prime Minister Scott Morrison has said he deeply regrets his “insensitive response to a question from a News Ltd journalist” as a staffer at the media company was subject to a misconduct complaint.
News Corp has denied Morrison’s claim, saying it is “extraordinary”.
“In the course of today’s media conference when responding to further questions I deeply regret my insensitive response to a question from a News Ltd journalist by making an anonymous reference to an incident at News Ltd that has been rejected by the company,” Mr Morrison said in a statement tonight.
“I accept their account. I was wrong to raise it, the emotion of the moment is no excuse.
“I especially wish to apologise to the individual at the centre of the incident and others directly impacted.
“I had no right to raise this issue and especially without their permission.”
Morrison’s statement comes after Sky News reporter Andrew Clennell challenged him on the issue of workplace harassment during a tense press conference.
After Clennell pressed, Morrison shot back.
“Right now, you would be aware that in your own organisation that there is a person who has had a complaint made against them for harassment of a woman in a women’s toilet and that matter is being pursued by your own HR department,” Mr Morrison replied.
“So let’s not all of us who sit in glass houses here start getting into that.”
News Corp Australasia Executive Chairman Michael Miller slammed Morrison in a statement.
“Prime Minister Scott Morrison was wrong today to claim an investigation is under way into a complaint accusing an employee of harassment against a woman in a female toilet,” the statement said.
“No complaint has been received and News Corp and Sky News are not dealing with a complaint.”
The organisation doesn’t normally comment on private matters but replied to this one as it was broadcast nationally.
“However given the Prime Minister’s extraordinary claims made at a press conference broadcast live across the nation, I want to put to rest any suggestion that an employee of our company is being investigated for conduct suggested by Mr Morrison,” he said.
