Australia outraged over one woman's callous Bondi remarks
A conservative commentator has caused widespread outrage for her "disgraceful" comments over the recent stabbing in Bondi Junction Westfield, which resulted in the deaths of six people.
On Thursday, the shopping centre held a community reflection day in which locals were invited to attend the reopening of the shopping centre and pay their respects to this impacted by the tragedy.
Shops remained closed for the occasion, while Westfield operator Scentre Group's Chief executive Elliott Rusanow said the day of reflection was intended to help people feel comfortable returning to the site.
Despite hundreds of people showing up for the emotional day, commentator Kobie Thatcher shared her wildly unpopular opinions on the matter, saying the day of reflection was "woke virtue signalling", adding that those affected by the tragedy have "had days to mourn".
"Bondi Junction will reopen tomorrow for a 'Community Reflection Day'," Ms Thatcher wrote in a post on social media on Wednesday.
"No retail trade. What kind of woke nonsense is this?"
"Surely the last few days when the shopping centre was closed and people were leaving flowers were enough time for reflection. Let businesses reopen.'"
The post was met with a furious wave of backlash, with former Lord Mayor of Sydney Lucy Turnbull saying the day had nothing to do with wokeness.
"Nope. It is respectful and empathetic," Ms Turnbull said.
Another called on Ms Thatcher to "have some compassion" for those affected, with one person writing, "You weren't there. You weren't directly affected by what happened."
"Let those who were there decide what is the best method to deal with the trauma that they faced on the day."
Further commenters also defended the day of reflection, saying it was an important step in healing.
"Is it letting businesses reopen or forcing workers to return to a massacre site when they're still concerned for their health and well-being?"
"So, Kobie, business is more important than the loss of innocent human lives and some time to mourn for them."
Another simply said, "Kobie is disgraceful."
Image credits: Facebook / Getty Images