Huge clash on The Project could see Peter van Onselen ousted
Only days after Peter van Onselen criticised Grace Tame’s viral photo with Prime Minister Scott Morrison, leading to three of his The Project co-hosts slamming him publicly, it seems his future on the show could be up in the air.
Former TV executive Rob McKnight has questioned whether Ten's political editor will return to the show after being involved in such an explosive clash with his co-hosts.
"I can't see how he can continue on the program," Rob told The Daily Mail.
The reported rift seemingly kicked off when Peter labelled Grace "ungracious, rude and childish" in a column for The Australian on Tuesday. Video and photos of Grace refusing to look at ScoMo and appearing visibly uncomfortable at the 2022 Australian of the Year Finalists Morning Tea at The Lodge in Canberra on Tuesday morning quickly went viral, with Peter questioning why she felt the need to be so rude to the PM.
While he praised her advocacy for sexual abuse survivors, he was left unimpressed by her refusal to smile for photos. This statement led him to being slammed on air by co-host Carrie Bickmore and guest Amy Remeikis.
Lisa Wilkinson, who is rumoured to dislike Peter, later shared an Instagram post applauding Grace for 'making noise' while Australian of the Year.
Tommy Little later slammed Peter during his radio show on Thursday, calling his op-ed 'stupid'.
"I can't see how he can continue on the show when Lisa and Carrie have turned on him publicly. Will he want to work with them? Will they want to work with him? I can't imagine it's a comfortable place for him to be when he's sitting at that desk," he said, also suggesting the producers of the show threw Peter 'under the bus'.
Rob added that while hosts disagreeing can make for good TV, this 'seemed personal'.
In Peter's opinion piece he took aim at Grace, writing, "If your disdain for the man is so great (understandable perhaps) that you can’t even muster basic and common courtesy, then just don't go."
When he later appeared on The Project, it became clear it hadn't gone down well with Carrie Bickmore and Amy Remeikis.
Lisa Wilkinson later shared a lengthy Instagram post thanking Grace for all her work, writing, "Thank you Grace. Thank you for always speaking your truth. Thank you for never wavering from your passionate fight for justice for survivors of sexual assault."
"Thank you for doing everything within your power to make sure over the last 12 months that those in charge were listening, and acting on much-needed change."
She thanked Grace for her tireless campaigning, adding, "Grace, the imprint you leave as Australian Of The Year will be felt for generations to come."
"Finally, and most importantly Grace, thank you for making noise… just like you promised you would."
Image: The Project