Body language expert’s verdict on Don Burke's denial
The night after a series of shocking allegations of sexual harassment and bullying were laid against TV personality Don Burke by 50 former colleagues, the nation was glued to his A Current Affair interview with Tracy Grimshaw, in which he vehemently denied claims of any “sleazy sexual stuff”.
But just how honest was he being, really? Body language expert Sam Cawthorn has examined the footage, and what he has to say might make you seriously doubt Burke’s denials.
Speaking to the Daily Mail Australia, Cawthorn said Burke appeared “very nervous” during the heated interview with Grimshaw.
“You could see him touching his face and using a high-pitched tone and a lot of blinking and stuttering of words,” he said. “He also used a high-pitched tone, especially at the end of sentences.”
Cawthorn says it’s also interesting to note how defensive the Burke’s Backyard host became each time Grimshaw brought up one of the allegations against him, rather than respond to questions.
He also added that Burke’s delivery of his denials made him appear unconvincing – he was thinking more about how to deny the accusations rather than remembering the incidents themselves.
“Numerous times he was blinking as he said the specific words we needed to hear to be convinced of his denials,” Cawthorn explained. “This means he was thinking more than actually remembering – he was creating more than accessing memory.”