"I am angry on this International Women's Day": Trolled ABC host breaks silence
ABC presenter Lisa Millar has spoken up over the incident that saw online trolls come for her over what she was wearing on air, and the “obnoxious commentary” that followed.
Millar made her statement on ABC News Breakfast, one day after the ABC had requested “a more responsible approach to reporting on these issues”.
In that same release Director Justin Stevens stated ”Media outlets that amplify this disgusting anonymous trolling need to take a good hard look at themselves and their standards.”
Millar herself explained to viewers that she wanted to take the time to discuss “the last 48 hours”, and that she wouldn’t dwell on those who had managed to remain oblivious to the situation.
"The fact that what I wore on Monday attracted obnoxious commentary on Twitter - foul disgusting personal abuse that I couldn't and wouldn't repeat - was upsetting,” she said.
"That it then ended up online on some news sites where the photos and the abuse were republished made me angry.”
Millar went on to thank everyone for the support - noting that some had even been funny, with suggestions that they’d still watch even if everyone turned up wearing pyjamas.
"I am angry though,” she continued, “on this International Women's Day, on behalf of myself, but also on behalf of other women, young women, who see those stories and see someone like me being violently abused day after day for whatever reason bullies can find.
"I worry it might make you think that no progress has been made and that it's not worth it to be a woman in the public arena.
"On this International Women's Day, I want to tell you [that] the response over that rubbish yesterday gives me hope. We are making progress, and we will make more, and there are so many awesome women who we can all look up to. Let's celebrate them today.”
Millar then called for everyone reading to make a “conscious decision” to be part of the solution and not the problem, and to contribute towards making communities across Australia better - and kinder - for everyone.
Millar’s co-host, Michael Rowland, had earlier taken to Twitter condemning the internet bullies, writing “Enough of the abusive comments about Lisa Millar, and other female presenters. And enough of amplifying the bullying by republishing offensive comments. Do better.”
And on ABC News Breakfast with Millar, Rowland had more to say in support of his fellow host.
“We’ve all seen behind-the-scenes here [that] you’ve gone through a lot,” he told her, “you’ve gone through the absolute wringer in these last couple of days, and for you to be sitting here this morning is a testament to your courage and strength.”
Images: ABC