Search

Placeholder Content Image

Sam Kerr’s alleged comments may have had a racial element, but they were not ‘racist’

<p><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/mario-peucker-192086">Mario Peucker</a>, <em><a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/victoria-university-1175">Victoria University</a></em></p> <p>Footballer Sam Kerr has been charged with “racially aggravated harassment” over a January 2023 incident in which she allegedly insulted a London police officer. According to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2024/mar/06/sam-kerr-allegedly-called-police-officer-a-stupid-white-bastard-source-says">widespread media reports</a>, she is said to have called the officer a “stupid white bastard”.</p> <p>Kerr has pleaded not guilty to the charge and has <a href="https://www.9news.com.au/world/sam-kerr-legal-team-reportedly-challenge-allegations-of-police-harassment/744598ef-75f9-4e03-acb5-7b37aecde8d1">reportedly denied</a> using the word “bastard”.</p> <p>According to section 33 of the British Crime and Disorder Act, to be found guilty of such an offence, the conduct would have had to cause – or have intended to cause – alarm or distress.</p> <p>Regardless of the court’s ultimate verdict, one big question seems to occupy the minds of many: does the phrase attributed to Kerr constitute racism?</p> <p>Kerr was born in Western Australia, and has Indian ancestry on her father’s side. Can she be racist towards a white person, and more specifically to a white police officer?</p> <p>Assuming it is true Kerr used the term “white”, there is a racial element. But “racial” is not the same as “racist”.</p> <h2>Definitions of racism</h2> <p>It is important to note here that “race” is not a biological category (there is only one human race). Race is a <a href="https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/race-is-a-social-construct-scientists-argue/">social construct</a>, invented and cemented centuries ago to legitimise colonial atrocities, oppression and forms of subjugation including slavery.</p> <p>There are many definitions of racism, but there has been a broad consensus for decades that racism is more than “just” prejudice and discriminatory behaviour. It is not simply a matter of less favourable treatment of an individual or group of people based on their actual or ascribed ethnic background, skin colour, origin or related characteristics.</p> <p>Racism also reflects and manifests as systemic exclusion and marginalisation based on historically rooted power imbalances and racial hierarchies that put white people at the top.</p> <p>To put it very simply, the scholarly (if not the legal) definition is that “<a href="https://psycnet.apa.org/record/1998-07453-002">racism equals power plus prejudice</a>”.</p> <p>In a vicious cycle, everyday racism and discrimination are shaped and justified by racial hierarchies, while they operate continuously in a way that cements power imbalances and racial marginalisation.</p> <p>This may sound a bit abstract, but if we do not recognise this power dynamic, we trivialise racism as little more than name-calling. We will fail to understand how racism operates and how it continues to affect people from racially marginalised groups in their daily lives.</p> <p>One way to illustrate the systemic nature of racism is to look at the persistent lack of representation of people of colour in leadership positions in the corporate sector, the media and governments in Australia and elsewhere.</p> <p>In the United Kingdom, where the alleged incident occurred, institutional racism – including within the police force – has been recognised since the release of the <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-stephen-lawrence-inquiry">Macpherson report</a> in 1999. It was reaffirmed in 2023 by the <a href="https://www.met.police.uk/SysSiteAssets/media/downloads/met/about-us/baroness-casey-review/update-march-2023/baroness-casey-review-march-2023a.pdf">Baroness Casey Review</a>, despite some political pushback.</p> <p>The review found “Met officers are 82% White and 71% male, and the majority do not live in the city they police. As such, the Met does not look like the majority of Londoners.”</p> <h2>Reverse racism?</h2> <p>Anti-discrimination legislation in the UK and Australia usually does not speak explicitly of “racism”. It outlaws certain acts that are motivated, partially or wholly, by a person’s race (or other personal identity markers).</p> <p>Legislators introduced these laws with the intention of enhancing the legal protections for those who were considered vulnerable to racism. In Australia, for example, the <a href="https://www.legislation.gov.au/C2004A00274/latest/text">Racial Discrimination Act</a> (1975) is often celebrated as a legal cornerstone in the country’s journey away from its racist “White Australia” history towards a modern multicultural society.</p> <p>The United Nations’ <a href="https://www.ohchr.org/en/instruments-mechanisms/instruments/international-convention-elimination-all-forms-racial">International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination</a> (1965), ratified by Australia in 1975 and the UK in 1969, makes its intention explicit when it calls on all state parties to make it an offence to disseminate “ideas based on racial superiority”.</p> <p>The issue of power structures should also be seen through an institutional lens. It is difficult to imagine a person on the streets of London with more institutional power than a white police officer.</p> <p>Being called a “stupid bastard” might hurt someone’s feelings. But while I’m in no position to judge whether Sam Kerr’s alleged actions have caused “distress” to the officer – as the law would require – labelling the incident as racist is clearly not in line with what racism means.</p> <p>Such a definition would not align with the concept’s institutional and systemic dimensions. It is not what anti-discrimination laws were intended to outlaw.</p> <p>Claims of anti-white or “reverse” racism are based on a shallow, misguided and inaccurate understanding of what racism really constitutes.</p> <p>If Kerr’s court case fails to acknowledge the deeper purpose of anti-racism legislation by equating “racial” with “racist”, it risks setting a highly problematic precedent that would undermine efforts to acknowledge and tackle racism in all its forms.</p> <p>What would be the message to those millions of people in the UK, Australia and elsewhere who have to face racism every day without recognition of the harm it causes and without the support and capacity to sue the perpetrators?</p> <p>What would they think about their right to equality and their place in society?<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/225267/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/mario-peucker-192086">Mario Peucker</a>, Associate Professor and Principal Research Fellow, Institute for Sustainable Industries and Liveable Cities, <em><a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/victoria-university-1175">Victoria University</a></em></p> <p>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/sam-kerrs-alleged-comments-may-have-had-a-racial-element-but-they-were-not-racist-225267">original article</a>.</p>

Legal

Placeholder Content Image

Sam Kerr's alleged racial comments revealed by UK paper

<p>The legal controversy surrounding <span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">Matildas star Sam Kerr </span><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">following allegations of racially charged remarks directed towards a police officer in London continues to unfold, after a UK newspaper published those alleged remarks. </span></p> <p>According to <a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/26401266/sam-kerr-football-charge-crime-police-fifa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Sun</a>, Kerr allegedly called a police officer a "stupid white bastard" during a dispute over a taxi fare. The details emerged as Kerr faced charges for using insulting, threatening or abusive words towards the officer, causing alarm or distress. The seriousness of the allegations is underscored by the potential consequences, with Kerr facing a maximum sentence of two years' imprisonment if convicted.</p> <p>The incident is said to have taken place in January 2023 shortly after Kerr's remarkable performance in a Chelsea FA Cup victory, and Kerr has maintained her innocence, pleading not guilty to the charges brought against her.</p> <p>The delayed prosecution in Kerr's case has sparked speculation, with reports suggesting that determining the appropriate charge was a complex process for the Crown Prosecution Service. However, as the trial approaches, the focus shifts towards the legal proceedings and the evidence that will be presented in court.</p> <p>Throughout her career, Kerr has been a prominent figure in the fight against racism in sport. Her past actions, including posing with an Aboriginal flag alongside her Matildas teammates, reflect a commitment to promoting inclusivity and unity. Kerr's accolades both on and off the field have solidified her iconic status, making the allegations against her all the more surprising.</p> <p>In response to the controversy, Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson and Football Australia CEO James Johnson expressed their lack of prior knowledge regarding the incident. </p> <p>Prime Minister Anthony Albanese declined to comment directly on the matter, but said that Kerr's actions during her tenure as the national flag bearer exemplified pride and dignity. </p> <p>“I don’t comment on legal matters before Australian courts, let alone other ones,” Albanese said. “I will say this about my contact with Sam Kerr, she was our flag bearer at the coronation. My contact with her was exemplary. She did Australia proud at that time and I think that my contact with her has been nothing but delightful.”</p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

Legal

Placeholder Content Image

Nat Bass slams "vicious" comments about new relationship

<p>Natalie Bassingthwaighte has hit back at trolls just days after <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/relationships/nat-bass-shares-sweet-photos-with-new-partner" target="_blank" rel="noopener">publicly debuting</a> her new girlfriend, Pip Loth. </p> <p>The singer, 48, took to Instagram on Thursday to reveal that while most supported her new relationship, other trolls had shared "vicious" and "horrific" comments. </p> <p>The <em>Rouge Traders</em> star shared an emotional plea about wanting the hate to stop and said that she will be blocking trolls. </p> <p>"I felt like it was really important to say thank you for the love and support I've received in the last little while... on the flip side, with love comes hate and I'm not a hater," she began. </p> <p>"I don't understand how people have time to go on somebody's page and comment so viciously and horrifically and intentionally make people feel awful, it's not accepted on my page and I won't have it."</p> <p>"My team will be looking at the comments and blocking anyone who says anyone negative towards anyone I love, that includes my family, Cam, my kids and my girlfriend. We all deserve respect and love as we're all human, we all bleed, cry and all suffer."</p> <p>She then urged the trolls and paparazzi to stop: "It's a load of crap, it's not acceptable and I want it to stop!</p> <p>"Be kind, you don't know what people are going through and it's a dangerous slippery slope," she added. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C0QDCjhvTaS/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C0QDCjhvTaS/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Natalie Bassingthwaighte (@natbassingthwaighte)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Fans shared support for the singer, and applauded her for standing up for herself and her loved ones. </p> <p>"I’m so happy to hear you are getting rid of all the negativity. I don’t get it either. I guess happy people don’t do that to others. These trolls have sad, miserable lives. I support you 100%" one wrote. </p> <p>"Sending you and your beautiful family so much love 💜💫 well said keep shining that beautiful light of yours," added another. </p> <p>"You go Girl!! ❤️💯 Block and delete," commented a third. </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Relationships

Placeholder Content Image

Love conquers critics as Vikki Campion hits back at "unkind" comments on wedding to Barnaby Joyce

<p>Love triumphed over adversity last weekend as Vikki Campion, former staffer and <em>Saturday Telegraph</em> columnist, <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/family-pets/barnaby-joyce-and-vikki-campion-tie-the-knot-in-bush-bash-wedding" target="_blank" rel="noopener">celebrated her wedding</a> to high-profile Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce at his family's property in Woolbrook, NSW. Despite the picturesque setting and the couple's genuine joy, the event faced criticism and name-calling, prompting Campion to address the detractors in a powerful statement.</p> <p>In her <a href="https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/opinion/vikki-campion-my-perfect-wedding-and-the-barnaby-joyce-that-i-know-and-love/news-story/5ed16bef0795a10e2e0859cc161f5cbf" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Saturday Telegraph</em></a> column entitled "My perfect wedding and the Barnaby Joyce that I know and love"<span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">, Campion dismissed the negative comments, saying, "</span>In the country, they say one man’s trash is another’s treasure. Well, I found mine ... <span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">Call it trash all you like. It will always be perfect to us." </span></p> <p><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">She remained resilient in the face of harsh judgments, emphasising that the unkind remarks had no impact on her or her husband. Instead, she focused on the love they shared, the friends who supported them, and the unique lifestyle they embraced.</span></p> <p>Campion took the opportunity to highlight the real treasure of the event: the local community. In her exclusive op-ed, she expressed gratitude for the diverse group of people who came together to make the celebration unforgettable. The wedding, she explained, brought together individuals from different backgrounds and walks of life, transcending cultural, political and socioeconomic boundaries.</p> <p>The imagery of the event painted a vivid picture of a true "bush bash," complete with Akubras, ciggies, beer and rum. The celebration, described as a return to "country style," featured over 80 guests who arrived in 4WDs, reflecting the down-to-earth atmosphere that defined the day.</p> <p>The pink and ivory-themed wedding showcased Campion in a strapless cream tulle dress with a long train, complemented by gold earrings and heeled black cowboy boots. Despite the criticism, pictures captured the couple's genuine happiness as they mingled with guests, five years after their relationship first became public.</p> <p>The wedding also marked a reunion with Joyce's young sons, Thomas and Sebastian, aged four and five, while his four adult daughters were notably absent. The absence of Joyce's adult daughters <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/family-pets/i-ve-moved-on-barnaby-joyce-s-former-wife-speaks-out-after-media-circus-wedding" target="_blank" rel="noopener">stirred earlier controversies</a>, adding another layer to the media scrutiny surrounding the event.</p> <p>Despite the tumultuous journey that led to this moment – Joyce's resignation as deputy prime minister and Nationals leader following the exposure of their relationship – the couple's commitment to each other remained unshaken. The ceremony took place at a location with special meaning to Joyce, creating a touching and sentimental atmosphere.</p> <p>The wedding's inclusive nature, with guests from various backgrounds and perspectives, symbolised the couple's ability to transcend the public scrutiny that had surrounded them. Campion's response to critics showcased her resilience and determination to focus on the positives, celebrating the love that brought them together.</p> <p>As Vikki Campion and Barnaby Joyce embark on this new chapter of their lives, they do so with the unwavering belief that their wedding, labelled "trash" by some, will forever be perfect in their hearts. Love prevailed over judgment, and the couple's ability to rise above the criticism serves as a testament to the strength of their bond.</p> <p><em>Images: Office of the Deputy Prime Minister / Instagram</em></p>

Relationships

Placeholder Content Image

“I’m being racist to eggs”: Wellness influencer slammed for innocent comment

<p>An Australian influencer has been forced to address a "racist" comment she made about her son's lunch. </p> <p>Health and fitness influencer Sarah Stevenson, who is known by her millions of followers as Sarah's Day, was filming herself as she made lunch for her son.</p> <p>The 31-year-old stopped herself as she made her child a curried egg sandwich, saying he be dubbed “the smelly boy in the playground” if he took the meal to school.</p> <p>“Do you want to be ‘smelly curried egg boy’?” she asked him.</p> <p>While the seemingly innocent comment went unnoticed by many of her followers, one person sent her a message demanding an apology for her "borderline racist" comment. </p> <p>The entrepreneur and mum-of-two replied to the private message in a video response to her followers explaining that she meant the “egg smell” and didn't mean anything racist. </p> <p>“Didn’t everyone go to school with someone who brought eggs in their lunch and you’re like, ‘ew, you smell like rotten eggs’... not ‘you smell like curry!’,” she said in the video on her Instagram Stories.</p> <p>She said sarcastically, “I’m being racist to eggs.”</p> <p>Stevenson then doubled down on the follower’s outrage, following that with a cooking tutorial for “racist eggs”.</p> <p>The late night social media saga was re-shared by a popular account, where it was dubbed “egg gate” and plenty more people weighed in on the drama. </p> <p>“She should have apologised and taken it down instead she’s made it worse,” one commenter wrote.</p> <p>The general consensus from the public was that the original racism accusation “was a definite reach”, but she went too far with her explanation. </p> <p>“Honestly don’t think there was any malice in the original comment — she definitely scrambled (ha!), way too far in explaining herself afterwards though,” someone wrote.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram </em></p>

Food & Wine

Placeholder Content Image

Elite school under fire over comments about Lilie James' suspected killer

<p>The recent <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/slain-st-andrew-s-staffer-identified" target="_blank" rel="noopener">murder of 21-year-old Lilie James</a> at St Andrew's Cathedral School in Sydney has raised profound questions about the nature of violence, the portrayal of perpetrators and the responsibilities of our educational institutions.</p> <p>What made this tragedy even more unsettling was a newsletter written by Dr John Collier, headmaster of the Shore School in North Sydney, <span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">first <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-11-04/sydney-school-principal-lilie-james-murder-criticised-newsletter/103062628" target="_blank" rel="noopener">published by the ABC</a>, </span><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">in which he described the suspected murderer, Paul Thijssen, as "an absolute delight" and "not a monster". This statement has sparked a wave of controversy and calls for reflection within the community.</span></p> <p>The horrifying incident that unfolded at St Andrew's Cathedral School last week sent shockwaves throughout the community. The life of a promising young woman was abruptly cut short, and the alleged perpetrator, her former boyfriend Paul Thijssen, <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/lilie-james-grieving-family-breaks-silence-as-body-is-found-in-manhunt-for-suspect" target="_blank" rel="noopener">was found dead</a> after an extensive police search. Dr Collier, who had served as headmaster of St Andrew's between 2010 and 2022, knew Thijssen during his time there and described him as a "fine student, a prefect, a role model".</p> <p>In his newsletter titled "Looking in the Face of Savagery", Dr Collier wrestles with the apparent contradiction between the image of Thijssen as a seemingly normal and well-adjusted young man and the heinous act he committed. Dr Collier's description of Thijssen as "an absolute delight" and "not a monster" has ignited a fierce debate about the language used to describe individuals who commit such acts of violence.</p> <p>"What is chilling about the tragedy which unfolded at St Andrew's, the shock and grief of which will cascade for a long time, is that the young man concerned was, in everybody's estimation, an absolute delight," Dr Collier wrote. "He appeared to be just like the best of us. An hour before he committed the atrocity, he was speaking in a relaxed, friendly mode with staff at that school.</p> <p>"He was not a monster; rather, in the last five hours of his life, he committed a monstrous act which was in complete contradiction to what everyone who knew him observed in the rest of this short life.</p> <p>"What led to his mental disintegration? Was it a psychotic episode which was deeply out of character?"</p> <p>Sexual consent advocate Chanel Contos pointed out to the ABC that this incident is symbolic of a more extensive problem that must be addressed. She argues that the normalisation of violence must be confronted and that we cannot simply classify such individuals as anomalies. Contos emphasises the importance of instilling a culture of respect and accountability, particularly within educational institutions.</p> <p>Schools like St Andrew's and Shore play a vital role in shaping the values and behaviours of young people. Shore acknowledged the criticism surrounding Dr Collier's newsletter and emphasised its commitment to building "good men" through character development programs that promote respect for women. However, this incident serves as a stark reminder that there is still much work to be done in addressing issues related to toxic masculinity, entitlement and violence.</p> <p>Lilie James's tragic death serves as a painful reminder of the urgent need to challenge harmful stereotypes, address toxic behaviours, and hold individuals accountable for their actions.</p> <p><em>Images: Facebook</em></p>

News

Placeholder Content Image

Wayne Carey's flippant comment on past cheating scandal

<p dir="ltr">Wayne Carey has made a series of astonishing remarks about the high profile affair that ended his career, as he engaged with cheeky fans on X, formerly known as Twitter. </p> <p dir="ltr">The exchange began when the former AFL player made a seemingly innocent statement about AFL teams trading players. </p> <p dir="ltr">“If your club gets a player that plays your position? That should always be used as motivation to have the best preseason you have ever had,” the former Kangaroos star wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Difference between being good and great? Absolutely nothing beats hard work #tradeshow.”</p> <p dir="ltr">But fans were quick to recall Carey changing clubs back in 2002, as one person cheekily asked, “How come you traded clubs?” to which Carey replied, “Really?”</p> <p dir="ltr">“Didn’t work hard enough?” another added to the banter.</p> <p dir="ltr">Many others added to the virtual pile on, until one fan recalled the reason why he had to change clubs 21 years ago. </p> <p dir="ltr">“He slept with his teammate's wife!” the account wrote, to which the footy star responded with “3 times”. </p> <p dir="ltr">The rogue posts didn't stop there, as the same fan then jokingly asked if the footy star was “back on the bags”, referring to Carey's <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/it-s-not-a-great-look-afl-legend-caught-with-mysterious-substance-at-crown-casino" target="_blank" rel="noopener">incident at Perth Crown Casino</a>when a suspicious looking bag of white powder fell out of his pocket while he was gambling.</p> <p dir="ltr">On last year’s season of <em>SAS Australia</em>, Carey spoke candidly about the affair scandal. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I slept with a teammate’s wife. It’s haunted me for 20 years,” he said at the time. </p> <p dir="ltr">“My integrity will always be questioned. I’m not trying to prove anything to the public — it’s to myself." </p> <p dir="ltr">“People can change. They evolve. Hopefully this can help me.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Relationships

Placeholder Content Image

Dawn French hits back at "shameful" weight loss comments

<p>Dawn French has hit back at hurtful comments about her drastic weight loss almost a decade ago, admitting she "never rejected" the size she was. </p> <p>In 2014, the British comedian and actress dropped over 45kg after undergoing a hysterectomy following a terrifying cancer scare. </p> <p>The dramatic weight loss came after French's surgeon said she would heal better from the procedure if she lost weight. </p> <p>At the time, dozens of articles were written about French's transformation, praising her weight loss. </p> <p>Now, the 65-year-old has taken umbrage with the comments, telling <a href="https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/id-never-felt-so-ugly-how-dawn-french-learnt-to-love-her-flaws-3z95kc823" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>The Times</em></a> how unfair it is that women are in the public eye are often “reduced” to descriptions of their appearance.</p> <p>“I have never rejected the bigger woman I have been. Lots of people do it and say, ‘Oh, you look so much better – now you look well.’ And I think, ‘F*** off! Don’t judge that other person who I loved,’” she said.</p> <p>“[British singer] Alison Moyet is a very good friend and so often she has been reduced to descriptions of her physicality.”</p> <p>“She’s this giant talent, why reduce her to that? I’m not taking any s*** from anyone about any of it,” she said.</p> <p>French went on to reflect on the early days of her career, which began in the late 1980s alongside Jennifer Saunders. </p> <p>Despite the success of their BBC show <em>French and Saunders</em>, they were often described by how they looked, something she says “never” happened to their male colleagues.</p> <p>“For many years Jennifer [Saunders] and I were always described by how we looked, especially me, because I was the bigger one.”</p> <p>“It was always about ‘running to fat’ or ‘plump’, and they never said that about any of the male comedians.”</p> <p>“I absolutely own whatever my size is and I will call myself whatever I want. But if I feel like the intent is to shame me, I will not have it,” French said.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Body

Placeholder Content Image

"I would say it again": Ray Martin doubles down on Voice comments

<p>Ray Martin has been grilled in an explosive interview over his divisive comments about No voters ahead of the Voice to Parliament referendum. </p> <p>The veteran journalist appeared on <em>A Current Affair</em> to double down on his comments, saying he does not regret what he said. </p> <p>On Wednesday, Ray Martin spoke to supporters of the Yes campaign at the Factory Theatre in Marrickville, in Sydney's inner west, as he <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/ray-martin-s-scathing-voice-to-parliament-speech" target="_blank" rel="noopener">called out</a> those who are voting No, suggesting they are too lazy to educate themselves by performing a simple Google search, and instead are being driven by division and fear.</p> <p>Martin said, “If you don’t know, find out what you don’t know.” </p> <p>"What that excellent slogan is saying, is if you’re a dinosaur or a d**khead who can’t be bothered reading, then vote No.” </p> <p>In the tense interview, in which Langdon continuously interrupted Martin, the ACA host suggested the Voice debate “needs to calm down and get back to being respectful”. </p> <p>“Do you regret those comments, Ray?” she asked</p> <p>“No, I don’t,” Martin said.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CyAmMGOyEqw/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CyAmMGOyEqw/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by A Current Affair (@acurrentaffair9)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>“This is a really important referendum. And I did not call No voters those words, I was talking about the slogan. ‘If you don’t know, vote No.’ That is an endorsement of ignorance. If you don’t know, find out, do not vote ignorantly. That is a dinosaur."</p> <p>"It is such an important vote, it is so important, and you need to find out.”</p> <p>“A lot of families have a lot of stuff on the plate,” Langdon said. “They are worried about power and food prices and crime, and many of them are the people that you’re calling names.”</p> <p>Martin insisted “no I am not”.</p> <p>“This is not a difficult one — you do not need a dictionary to find out what it is about,” he said.</p> <p>“It is about two things. It is about recognising First Australians in the Constitution, and do we give them a Voice … no veto, a Voice after 200 years of being told what to do. It is not about treaties or reimbursements. It is about nothing apart from these two things.”</p> <p>Langdon said Martin was a “respected journalist for many years” and knew “language is important, and the language used in that speech was inflammatory”, but Martin stood by his words. </p> <p>“I do not think it is and I stick by the language,” Martin said. “I would say it again. It was at Marrickville Hall when I was speaking, I was not speaking at the Catholic church up at the lectern. I was not talking to Women’s Weekly.”</p> <p>Asked again if he thought his language was disrespectful, Martin said, “I’ll tell you what’s disrespectful — voting, and admitting your ignorance, and going ahead and voting on such an important issue as this.”</p> <p>Ray Martin went on to say the language he used was “part of the Australian vernacular and you will hear it all the time on morning radio”, calling out conservative broadcasters who use similar insults to throw at the Yes campaign.</p> <p>Langdon admitted she watched Martin‘s full speech and while much of it was “very powerful”, the debate had “become inflammatory and divisive” and “you know that the most controversial thing you say is what is going to be picked up, and it has”.</p> <p>“I have been a journalist almost 60 years and I think people trust me,” Martin said.</p> <p>“I have reason to be trusted and I think this is really important. I do not think we should be scared by a scare campaign. I do not think we should look for something that is not in the referendum and I think that has happened. That is what the No side is doing.”</p> <p>He continued, "I do not think it is confusing. We have only made it confusing. The words are simple. Do you recognise the First Australians? Do you want to give them a Voice for the first time? Instead of telling them how to run their lives. When we listen to them in community health, community education and community life, we do much better. Instead of telling them what to do.”</p> <p>Martin admitted that the Yes campaign has not been perfect, but that was not a good enough reason to vote No on October 14th.</p> <p>“If you’re asking me has the campaign been good, I would say no,” Martin conceded.</p> <p>“And if you ask me whether this referendum will end poverty and disadvantage, the answer is no. But it is unquestionably a step forward.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: A Current Affair</em></p>

News

Placeholder Content Image

UK PM causes outrage over transgender comments

<p dir="ltr">Rishi Sunak has sparked outrage after making very controversial comments about transgender people at his first party conference as leader.</p> <p dir="ltr">The UK Prime Minister, who is campaigning to get people to support his Conservative party ahead of next year’s general election, declared that “we shouldn’t get bullied into believing that people can be any sex they want to be”.</p> <p dir="ltr">At the party’s annual conference, Mr Sunak spoke for more than an hour as he promised that the Tories would break the mould of the last 30 years of government.</p> <p dir="ltr">Despite being in power for 13 years, the Conservative party is on the road to defeat the next election, after increasing dissatisfaction among voters. </p> <p dir="ltr">“We will be bold, we will be radical. We will face resistance and we will meet it,” he told delegates at the conference.</p> <p dir="ltr">Many have seen his comments about transgender people as the most bold and radical parts of his speech.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It shouldn’t be controversial for parents to know what their children are being taught in school about relationships,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Patients should know when hospitals are talking about men or women. We shouldn’t get bullied.”</p> <p dir="ltr">His delegates applauded his controversial statements, to which Sunak continued, “We shouldn’t get bullied into believing that people can be any sex they want to be. They can’t.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“A man is a man and a woman is a woman, that’s just common sense.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Sunak’s comments quickly went viral online, with many people expressing their concern over such a prominent figure making such divisive comments. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Outrageous hate, which is going to encourage bullying and physical attacks by thugs, utterly vile,” transgender British newsreader India Willoughby wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr">“If a single trans person gets attacked or murdered after today then Rishi Sunak should be arrested and charged,” added another.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Never had so many DMs from worried UK trans people and their families,” wrote a third.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The important thing following Rishi Sunak’s hate speech: IT IS NOT LAW. Nothing has changed. Trans are still legally recognised and protected. Yes it’s scary – but they do not have time to change rules/law.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

News

Placeholder Content Image

F1 caller faces termination over "abhorrent" Schumacher comment

<p>A Formula One pundit recently found himself issuing an apology for an unfortunate slip of the tongue during a live TV broadcast, where he inadvertently made an insensitive remark about the legendary Michael Schumacher. The incident unfolded in the aftermath of the Japanese Grand Prix during a post-race discussion on Spanish television, as reported by <em>The Sun</em>.</p> <p>Antonio Lobato, the pundit in question, raised Schumacher's name during the discussion. Regrettably, his comment quickly made its way online, inciting outrage among fans due to its insensitivity toward the Formula One icon's ongoing health struggles.</p> <p>In the clip in question, one of Lobato's fellow broadcaster quipped to him in Spanish, "Let Adrian Newey (Red Bull's chief technical officer) be shaking because Antonio Lobato is coming."</p> <p>Lobato, perhaps in an attempt at humour in the moment, shot back, "Let Michael be shaking! Well... not Michael, he cannot shake."</p> <p>Following this exchange, the pundits shared a laugh with their colleagues, Noemi de Miguel, Pedro de la Rosa, and Toni Cuquerella.</p> <p>The incident provoked a strong backlash from viewers, with many demanding that Lobato apologise to Michael Schumacher's family. Some even called for his removal from DAZN, the broadcasting platform. One individual on X (formerly Twitter) remarked, "An apology would be the minimum, a sign of decency. You don't disrespect ANYONE that way, especially when thousands of people are watching you. Journalism in Spain has a very bright present and future with people like this."</p> <p>Another comment read, "Using someone's medical condition as the punchline of a joke is unacceptable and abhorrent. Michael is beloved and respected in this sport, and [Lobato] doesn't deserve the platform he is given."</p> <p>Subsequently, Lobato released an apology video on X, which has since garnered over five million views. In the five-minute video, he attempted to explain the "accident" while justifying his actions. Lobato stated in Spanish, "I made a mistake without any bad intentions. It was simply a mistake of pure clumsiness, of pure inability to express myself correctly, maybe because of too many hours up, jet lag in Madrid, or whatever – which is not an excuse for those of you who didn't see it."</p> <p>He went on to clarify that he never intended to make a joke or mock Michael Schumacher and that anyone who knew him would understand this.</p> <p>Lobato acknowledged his error, saying, "I think that everyone who knows me and knows what I'm like knows perfectly well that I would never make a joke about something like that. Never, but I was clumsy." He admitted that he had realised his mistake instantly after making the comment.</p> <p>He also emphasised his deep regret, stating, "So the only thing I have to do, I think it's fundamental, is to apologise to all those who felt offended by that phrase yesterday. I really, really mean it. It was not my intention to say it to laugh, nor to make any kind of joke with Michael, whom I knew, whom I admire, and whom I think is a reference and who I think was quite unlucky."</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="es">Creo que es necesario dar explicaciones y reconocer que me he equivocado. Por favor, escuchad mi vídeo. Es un poco largo, pero creo que necesario. <a href="https://t.co/89QlCMws2v">pic.twitter.com/89QlCMws2v</a></p> <p>— Antonio Lobato (@alobatof1) <a href="https://twitter.com/alobatof1/status/1706287035445653736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p><em>Images: Twitter (X) / Netflix</em></p>

Legal

Placeholder Content Image

“I run on bananas and coke cola": Kyrgios wades into doping debate

<p>Nick Kyrgios has raised eyebrows over his out-of-pocket comments on the recent doping scandal surrounding the world of tennis. </p> <p>The Aussie champion spoke over current testing protocols in the wake of Romanian tennis player Simon Halep being slapped with a four-year ban from the game for doping offences.</p> <p>Naturally, many tennis champions from around the world have put in their two cents on the recent ban, as Greek player Maria Sakkari called out the measures for being "scary". </p> <p>She told a tennis news site, “One thing I can tell you for sure is the way they’re handling every situation with any player, any athlete, it’s just scary.”</p> <p>“We’re gonna get to a point where we’re not even gonna be taking electrolytes. Thankfully, I haven’t been in that position. I never want to be. I’ve been very careful with everything that has to do with supplements. But I don’t know what the process is, how things are done behind closed doors."</p> <p>Nick Kyrgios was quick to jump in to the debate, responding to Sakkari's comments on Twitter saying, “Ehhhh not really lol.”</p> <p>“I run on bananas and coke cola in 5 set battles. And my record in them speaks for itself."</p> <p>“Maybe players should just stop taking shady sh*t. Look yourself in the mirror at the end of the day and say yep I did it right. Not hard.”</p> <p>Fans soon came after Kyrgios, but he doubled down.</p> <p>Kyrgios responded to one Twitter user’s sledge by posting, “I’d imagine if I was taking similar things to be banned for 4 years I’d have about 5 slams. Potato”.</p> <p>Kyrgios has had a difficult season as he has been forced to take time off to recover from injuries to his wrist and knees. </p> <p>He has urged his fans to be patient as he works on his recovery, as he is determined to get back on the court. </p> <p>"To my millions of fans out there, I guess we just have to be patient,” Kyrgios wrote in an Instagram story, accompanied by a picture of him in the gym.</p> <p>“Trust me, I still have some fire left in the tank, my body just needs time to recover and get back.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Legal

Placeholder Content Image

Sports presenter slammed over "Barbie" comments

<p>The BBC has issued a statement after a cringeworthy interview with a sports presenter went viral. </p> <p>Chris Hughes, a former <em>Love Island</em> contestant, was chatting to Aussie cricketer Maitlan Brown during Southern Brave's match in The Hundred.</p> <p>As the interview began, Hughes referred to Brown as a "batsman", with the rest of the interview only going downhill from there. </p> <p>Hughes then asked how Brown had been settling in and bonding with her teammates. </p> <p>"We watched Barbie the other night all together and it was really good team bonding and the group is gelling really well together," Brown replied.</p> <p>Hughes then quipped back, "You're a little Barbie yourself, aren't you, with your blue eyes."</p> <p>As Brown laughed awkwardly, Hughes added, "She's blushing now."</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">The absolute state of this <a href="https://twitter.com/BBCSport?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BBCSport</a> </p> <p>"Batsman"</p> <p>"You're a bit of a Barbie yourself"</p> <p>So much great young journalistic cricket talent in the UK, and you hire that clown <a href="https://twitter.com/chrishughes_22?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@chrishughes_22</a>, because demographics, innit <a href="https://t.co/f7FwAtQjR9">pic.twitter.com/f7FwAtQjR9</a></p> <p>— Always Look On The Bright Cider Life 🍎🏏🍎🏏🍎 (@somersetpodcast) <a href="https://twitter.com/somersetpodcast/status/1686411647903006720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 1, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p>Since the interview, Hughes has copped criticism on social media with the BCC stating they have addressed the issue with him.</p> <p>"We have spoken to Chris and explained that his comment was not appropriate," a BBC spokesperson said.</p> <p>Hughes has been the subject of an online slating since the interview, with many criticising his comments and wondering how he even landed the gig in the first place. </p> <p>One person wrote on Twitter, "This is what happens when you get a Love Islander to present cricket... Oh dear."</p> <p>"Whether Chris Hughes made the Barbie remark yesterday with the intention to belittle or embarrass Maitlan Brown or not is irrelevant. As is whether Brown in fact took offense to it. The effect and imagery was the same," another commented.</p> <p><em>Image credits: BBC</em></p>

TV

Placeholder Content Image

Women's World Cup commentator blasted over "inane" motherhood call

<p>The FIFA Women's World Cup kicked off with a bang on Thursday night, with the Matildas facing off against Ireland in the Sydney opener.</p> <p>And while the match was a tense and ultimately thrilling affair – resulting in a 1-0 victory for Australia – Network 7 commentator <span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">David Basheer's</span><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;"> statement following a crucial play drew instant attention online when he remarked on Matildas player Katrina Gorry's hard tackle.</span></p> <p>“Certainly motherhood has not blunted her competitive instincts, that’s for sure," remarked Basheer. "She is one fighter for Australia.”</p> <p>The comment sparked anger among some some viewers online, who found it "offensive" and "inane."</p> <p>Several Twitter users raised questions about potential gender bias, wondering if similar comments are made about male players or fathers. Others asked for an end to stereotyping mothers based on their roles.</p> <p>"Wonderful to be watching the women's soccer world cup game, but some unnecessary, inane (and offensive) commentary," one person said.</p> <p>One woman asked the commentator: "An elite athlete at the foremost tournament of her sport and you're surprised she's competing to the best of her ability?"</p> <p>"The commentator finds it appropriate to say: motherhood has not blunted her competitive instincts. ARE YOU SERIOUS? Welcome to 2023 mate," another said.</p> <p>"Dear lord, I thought we were past this kind of ridiculous narrative from male commentators. Do better."</p> <p>Another wrote: "Oh wow! Did the commentator just refer to 'motherhood' in the way that I think he did?"</p> <p>A few people were quick to draw comparisons to male players, asking: "Do they say these things about fathers?"</p> <p>"Never ever heard a male player's parental stays commented upon," another added.</p> <p>"Has anyone heard a similar remark in relation to FATHERHOOD? It's an intriguing side effect of motherhood that seems to have been kept out of the medical journals," one person wrote.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Wonderful to be watching the women's soccer world cup game, but some unnecessary, inane (and offensive) commentary - 'Certainly motherhood has not blunted her competitive spirit' - by the male commentator on the Australia vs Ireland game tonight - FFS 🙄😤😡</p> <p>— Lamilucy (@Lamilucy88) <a href="https://twitter.com/Lamilucy88/status/1681988998783438848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 20, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p>"Does motherhood naturally ruin your attacking instinct?" one man remarked.</p> <p>"Maybe male commentators should sit this #WorldCup out?" another man suggested.</p> <p>With both men and women engaged in the discussion, some called for a formal apology, while others simply urged commentators to be more mindful and sensitive in their commentary.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">“Motherhood hasn’t blunted her competitive instincts”</p> <p>Maybe male commentators should sit this <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldCup?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldCup</a> out?</p> <p>— Darren Levin (@darren_levin) <a href="https://twitter.com/darren_levin/status/1681987018019180550?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 20, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p>Katrina Gorry, a 30-year-old midfielder, became a mother to daughter Harper in 2021 after undergoing IVF as a solo parent in Norway in 2020. In an interview with nine.com.au in 2021, she expressed how her pregnancy gave her a new appreciation for her body and provided an opportunity to reconnect with her love for the sport.</p> <p>Overall, the incident brought attention to the need for respectful and unbiased commentary during the Women's World Cup, with many hoping for a more considerate approach from commentators in the future.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

TV

Placeholder Content Image

Real estate agent fired over "disgusting" comments about renters

<p>A young real estate agent in Sydney's south has been fired after making "vicious" comments online about renters, and bragging about "inflating the market". </p> <p>Abhnit Kumar from Ray White Macarthur Group in Campbelltown shared an advertisement of a property for sale to his professional Facebook page, with the seemingly innocent post gaining attention for its caption. </p> <p>The post read, "The market doesn't dictate your home's price, the agent does. If you're thinking about selling don't leave money on the table, give me a call &amp; let's discuss strategy."</p> <p>The comment was quickly deciphered by his online followers, with one person asking if the market doesn't contribute to a property's price, then "why are you artificially inflating house prices during a period of high inflation?".</p> <p>The 23-year-old real estate agent responded by asking "wouldn't you like to maximise on the profits you can make" when "selling your biggest asset".</p> <p>"Unless you wouldn't then feel free to contact me as I have a buyer for your place," Mr Kumar wrote.</p> <p>The follower quickly hit back, saying "that's not what your post said". "You said you inflate prices, so that the market is overpriced. Your words, not mine ...".</p> <p>The disgruntled commenter added that they would keep "well away" form Mr Kumar and his agency for his future housing needs. </p> <p>The agent fired back, writing, "Hey buddy you clearly must be a renter. Please stay away from my agency as we would not like to deal with people like you."</p> <p>Mr Kumar's last comment, which was quickly deleted, was met with a wave of scrutiny online, prompting one of his followers to screenshot the exchange and send it to Mr Kumar's employer. </p> <p>The individual who contacted Mr Kumar's place of work branded his behaviour "disgusting" and asked the company to confirm whether his comments reflected its morals, forcing the company to speak out.</p> <p>"We pride ourselves on customer service. We respect and value each and every one of our tenants," Ray White Macarthur Group wrote in a statement on Monday, addressing the outrage.</p> <p>"The views of Abhnit Kumar do not align with the values of our group," it continued. "As a result, we've made the business decision to suspend his employment immediately while we conduct an internal investigation."</p> <p>The backlash spilt over into the post's comment section, with one person slamming the "predatory behaviour" of real estate agents as "vicious", while another shared how "shocked" they were by the agent's comments in the face of Australia's ongoing housing crisis. </p> <p><em>Image credits: TikTok / Ray White</em></p>

Real Estate

Placeholder Content Image

Iconic footy commentator reveals tragic diagnosis

<p dir="ltr">Broadcasting legend Sandy Roberts has shared the details of his ongoing health battle, after being diagnosed with a rare, incurable cancer.</p> <p dir="ltr">The 73-year-old has returned to the MCG as he is fronting a new campaign to help save the lives of others, and himself, by trying to find a cure.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I have so many great, fond memories of this mighty ground,” says the former Channel 7 AFL commentator in the campaign launch.</p> <p dir="ltr">“This is my greatest call ... help me find a cure for myeloma.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Roberts’ cancer was found last year after he had a fall and had to undergo a series of x-rays.</p> <p dir="ltr">Despite always staying active during his retirement, he has broken his ribs in the fall, while the scans also showed the much more sinister diagnosis.</p> <p dir="ltr">“If I hadn’t fallen down the stairs, I wouldn’t have known I had multiple myeloma,” Roberts exclusively told <a href="https://7news.com.au/sport/afl/broadcasting-legend-sandy-roberts-facing-frightening-health-battle-with-incurable-cancer-c-10658323" target="_blank" rel="noopener">7NEWS</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The doctor finished up saying, ‘Of course, you’ve also got cancer’. Well, you could have blown us down with a feather. I mean, we had absolutely no idea … I mean, what’s he talking about?”</p> <p dir="ltr">Myeloma is a rare type of blood cancer, with experts saying that it is one of the few cancers in the 21st century that remains incurable.</p> <p dir="ltr">”Almost 30 per cent (of sufferers) die within 18 months of being diagnosed,” Roberts said during the campaign.</p> <p dir="ltr">For 40 years, Roberts was the face of Channel Seven sport, with his unique commentary being known for his cheeky and witty takes on sporting games.</p> <p dir="ltr">Since being diagnosed, Roberts has undergone chemotherapy and radiation, which has left him desperately sick and having to remain in hospital for extended stays.</p> <p dir="ltr">”I lost weight and I was weak and lethargic ... yeah, it wasn’t pleasant,” Roberts said.</p> <p dir="ltr">Roberts’ wife, Carolyn, said the illness had taken an emotional toll on him and his entire family.</p> <p dir="ltr">”Sometimes you want to fall into a hole, you definitely do,” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“And there were times when I’d go into the bedroom and cry, and I’m sure Sandy did the same, but you’ve got to keep going.”</p> <p dir="ltr">With new treatments helping him feel much stronger, he is thrilled to be the face of the long overdue awareness campaign.</p> <p dir="ltr">The campaign is aimed to raise awareness for the overlooked type of cancer, while experts are also asking for donations to help fund their research into a cure.</p> <p dir="ltr">”Experts within Myeloma Australia and around the world are saying that a cure is very close,” Roberts said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“So fingers crossed it’s REALLY close.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Seven</em></p>

Caring

Placeholder Content Image

Bridgerton’s Adjoa Andoh responds to backlash for “terribly white” coronation comment

<p dir="ltr">A star of the stage and screen, Adjoa Andoh HonFRSL, made waves around the world with her comments on the royal family’s post-coronation balcony appearance. </p> <p dir="ltr">Coverage of King Charles III’s coronation was available around the world from numerous providers, but it was the comments <em>Bridgerton </em>star Adjoa Andoh made during ITV’s extensive coverage in the UK that set the internet ablaze. </p> <p dir="ltr">To kick off their day, the network broadcast a special edition of their <em>Good Morning Britain</em> show, with a programme hosted by Tom Bradby and Julie Etchingham to follow. </p> <p dir="ltr">Their show saw them welcome a whole host of guests - including but not limited to reporters out on The Mall for the day’s festivities. Their coverage was going as planned until they cut to their temporary studio for the royals stepping out onto Buckingham Palace’s balcony.</p> <p dir="ltr">Bradby and Etchingham asked for thoughts from their guests, and it was then that Andoh shared her take, noting that “we have gone from the rich diversity of the Abbey to a terribly white balcony. I am very struck by that.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I am also looking at those younger generations and thinking ‘what are the nuances that they will inhabit when they grow?’”</p> <p dir="ltr">A clip from the show went viral on Twitter soon after it was uploaded, where it was met with mixed - and loud - response. </p> <p dir="ltr">The comment stunned the ITV presenters, and Myleene Klass was seen staring at the actor as she spoke.</p> <p dir="ltr">The clip was later shared on Twitter, where it received a mixed response. Some people criticised Andoh for her words, while others applauded her for speaking out.</p> <p dir="ltr">Dozens raced to submit complaints to OFCOM, claiming that Andoh’s take had stemmed from racist ideals, while others rose to her defence, thanking her for speaking out. </p> <p dir="ltr">As author and activist Dr Shola Mos-Shogbamimu wrote, Andoh “told no lies in factual observation of ‘terribly White’ (literal &amp; symbolic) Buckingham palace balcony at #Coronation in contrast to tokenism of race diversity at Westminster Abbey &amp; got branded ‘racist’”.</p> <p dir="ltr">Meanwhile, conservative commentator Darren Grimes demanded to know “why is it ok to dismiss a white family for being white?”</p> <p dir="ltr">They were only two of such comments flooding social media, and were the exact kind Andoh addressed in her next public appearance, when she joined Paddy O’Connnell on <em>BBC Radio 4</em>. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I think I upset a few people yesterday,” she noted. “I was talking about the day and how marvellous it was, and then looking at the balcony at the end and suddenly going ‘oh, it’s so white!’ because the day had been so mixed, and I didn’t mean to upset anybody.”</p> <p dir="ltr">However, it wasn’t quite enough to stem the tide of feedback, while users all across Twitter taking sides, and sharing their opinion on the latest round of comment. </p> <p dir="ltr">“There's an old saying: "Think before you speak". Andoh thought about it and said it anyway,” one said. “Spare us the crocodile tears. You knew exactly what you meant.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“She said the right thing they didn’t want to hear instead of the white thing they did want to hear,” another wrote. “The firm had an extraordinary opportunity to show progress and inclusion, not to mention the perfect ambassadors for the Commonwealth - and they ran them out of town.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

TV

Placeholder Content Image

"Broke my heart": Mum's outrage at stranger's comment about her disabled son

<p>A Sydney mother has shared her shock and outrage after a stranger made "rude" comments about her son. </p> <p>Tori Boyadji and her friend Lyndal were walking through Collaroy Park in Sydney's north with Tori's two-year-old son Isaac, who has Down syndrome. </p> <p>The friends were stopped by a woman who looked at Isaac and exclaimed, "Ohh is this a little downsie?"</p> <p>Tori, 28, went on to recount how the stranger said she would "never want a kid with Down syndrome" herself.</p> <p>Ms Boyadji told <a href="https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/sydney-mum-tori-boyadji-shocked-by-strangers-taunt-to-her-son/news-story/d8e3ee46ad9ed07ded6776987ff220f7" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>The Daily Telegraph</em></a> that the stranger's comments left her feeling very upset. </p> <p>"Lyndal and I just looked at each other in disbelief – I’m not easily offended but this comment truly broke my heart," she said.</p> <p>"Why would you say that to two mums with their adorable kids right there?"</p> <p>Tori said Isaac is just like any other toddler, as he loved The Wiggles and going to the beach. </p> <p>"He also happens to have Down syndrome — but this is the least interesting part of him," she said.</p> <p>Rhonda Faragher, Associate Professor of Inclusion and Diversity at Queensland University, weighed in on the exchange, and shared her thoughts that the major issue lays with the fact that people believe those with Down syndrome need to change in some way. </p> <p>"In my view, it's not the language itself, it's what's behind the language," she explained to <a href="https://au.news.yahoo.com/sydney-mums-shock-at-strangers-rude-comment-about-disabled-son-073246046.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Yahoo News Australia</em></a>.</p> <p>"That somebody in the community would feel [a child with Down Syndrome] would not be a child they'd like to have in their family without even knowing the child."</p> <p>"I think it's [disappointing] that other people don't understand that this is not a tragedy," she added. "Having a person with Down syndrome in your family, in your life, is actually a terrific blessing."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram </em></p>

Caring

Placeholder Content Image

"Guy is clueless": Kyrgios hits back at Pat Rafter

<p>Nick Kyrgios has hit back at Aussie tennis legend Pat rafter after he dubbed Kyrgios' doubles team with Thanasi Kokkinakis a "circus".</p> <div id="story-primary"> <p>Kyrgios and Kokkinakis, a duo that has been dubbed the "Special Ks", took the Australian Open by storm in 2022 when they teamed up and claimed the doubles crown.</p> <p>The doubles act brought their signature flair to the court, bringing audiences to their feet in a memorable display of sporting showmanship. </p> <p>But Rafter said the way the pair conduct themselves during the match has ruffled feathers among those on tour and left them on the outside within the locker room.</p> <p>Rafter appeared on the <em>Australian Open: The Happy Slam</em> podcast and labelled the doubles act as a “circus”. </p> <p>“It’s an interesting one that is, because the players are really upset about it,” Rafter said.</p> <p>“I don’t know how that operates with them and doesn’t really bother me either way. It’s a bit of a circus … doubles is a great event, it’s a lot of fun, and it helps you with singles, but it’s not where it’s at. But at the same time, it’s entertainment.”</p> <p>“If they create drama, create ticket sales, and they create people watching, then good on them, but at what expense, I don’t know. The players are really upset. Are you supposed to understand the underwritten rule that that’s not how you behave when you do?” Rafter said.</p> <p>Kyrgios hit back at Rafter on social media, slamming the Aussie sports legend for fabricating the outrage of players. </p> <p>“He would have absolutely zero idea on what the locker room thinks. Me and kokk have great relationships with most of the players on tour. Guy is clueless,” Kyrgios wrote on Twitter.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p> </div>

News

Placeholder Content Image

"Racism at its finest": Karl slammed for comments about Qatari women

<p>Karl Stefanovic has come under fire for "mocking" the lack of women present at World Cup events in Qatar. </p> <p>After <em>The Today Show</em> posted a clip of a segment about the games in Doha on TikTok, a Lebanese-Australian business owner slammed the hosts for their display of "racism at its finest".</p> <p>Rami Ykmour, co-founder of popular restaurant chain Rashays, shared a clip of himself watching the video, in which the <em>Today</em> hosts are discussing the "strange" atmosphere in Doha was with <em>9News</em> sports reporter Clint Stanaway.</p> <p>“I’ve been to World Cups before and it’s just a different atmosphere, I guess,” Stanaway said. </p> <p>In response, Stefanovic sarcastically said, “It’s good to see a lot of women to see it enjoying it over there too, Clinty.”</p> <p>“There weren’t too many in the stands,” replied Stanaway. </p> <p>Laughing, co-host Ally Langdon said, “Haven’t spotted one there yet.”</p> <p>Replaying the video, Mr Ykmour disagreed with the comments and called on Stefanovic to apologise. </p> <p>“I’ve watched the soccer and there’s plenty of women. Not to mention the racism,” he said.</p> <p>“Any chance to punch anyone of Middle Eastern background, they will, and they’ve got to understand there’s a lot of us out here and that’s not the way we think, that’s not the way we behave. </p> <p>“That is just pure, pure racism.”</p> <p>The comments under Mr Ykmour's video agree with his sentiment, with many saying they had attended games where many female fans were present in the crowd. </p> <p>“Literally sat next to a Qatari woman cheering with her son, and directly behind three Qatari women, not to mention the whole stadium,” wrote one comment.</p> <p>“I was at a game yesterday and there were plenty of women around me!!,” shared another.</p> <p>While photos taken of the crowd at World Cup games have shown female fans in the minority, this may be due to Qatar's rules around male guardianship of women, which have been criticised by the Human Rights Watch (HRW) in the past. </p> <p>In a 2021 report released by the HRW, the non-governmental organisation called attention to rules which state Qatari women must obtain permission from male guardians to “marry, study abroad on government scholarships, work in many government jobs, travel abroad until certain ages, and receive some forms of reproductive health care”.</p> <p>Senior women’s rights researcher at Human Rights Watch, Rothna Begum said that the laws, regulations and policies restricted the ability of women to live “full, productive, and independent lives”.</p> <p><em>Image credits: The Today Show</em></p> <div class="media image" style="caret-color: #000000; color: #000000; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none; box-sizing: inherit; display: flex; flex-direction: column; align-items: center; width: 705.202209px; margin-bottom: 24px;"> </div>

TV

Our Partners

Over 60

© Copyright 2024 OverSixty.All Rights Reserved.