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Wimbledon champion calls out commentator's "disappointing" remarks

Wimbledon tennis champion Barbora Krejcikova has called out a commentator for making "unprofessional" remarks about her live on-air. The Czech player was taking part in the WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia, which was broadcast on the Tennis Channel, when the comments were made by commentator Jon Wertheim. The 28-year-old player took to X to express her disappointment over the comments, writing, “As an athlete who has dedicated herself to this sport, it was disappointing to see this type of unprofessional commentary." "This isn’t the first time something like this is happening in sports world. I’ve often chosen not to speak up, but I believe it’s time to address the need for respect and professionalism in sports media." “These moments distract from the true essence of sport and the dedication all athletes bring to the field." "I love tennis deeply, and I want to see it represented in a way that honours the commitment we make to compete at this level.” Wertheim responded to Krejcikova's posts, apologising for his comments and also explaining what happened. "During a Tennis Channel studio show on Friday, I made some deeply regrettable comments off-air," he said. "I acknowledge them. I apologise for them. I reached out immediately and apologised to the player. "What happened? I joined the show by Zoom. In rehearsal we were shown a graphic of a player who had just competed. It showed her at an angle that exaggerated her forehead." "A few moments later, I was told to frame up my Zoom. I looked at the low camera angle and joked that it made my forehead resemble the photo of the player in question." "Someone in the control room chimed in and I bantered back. Though this was a private rehearsal, this exchange inadvertently and without context made it to live air." "I realise I am not the victim here. It was neither professional nor charitable nor reflective of the person I strive to be. I am accountable. I own this. I am sorry." Image credits: Artur Widak/NurPhoto/Shutterstock Editorial

Legal

"This is revolting": Senator calls for investigation over Kyle and Jackie O comments

A senator has called for an investigation over the constant "vulgar" comments made by Kyle and Jackie O on their morning radio show, claiming the show is "misogynistic" and "racist". Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young has questioned the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) during a senate hearing, asking why an investigation hasn't been launched into their on-air conduct. She said jokes about “being gay” and “divisive and violent language about women and sex” had been aired on the popular program, which is broadcast on the KIIS FM network on weekdays between 6am and 10am. Handing around printed copies of just some of their remarks, Senator Hanson-Young asked the ACMA whether these comments were appropriate for air during the early morning slot. During the hearing, Senator Hanson-Young asked ACMA Chair Nerida O’Loughlin whether she would be able to read them out, to which Ms O'Loughlin replied she would “prefer not to”, noting she “wouldn’t think they were appropriate for parliamentary language”. “These comments, this content, just a snapshot since September. Jokes about people being gay, jokes about one of the producers’ Asian housemates, jokes about dating men who are not quote ‘white’,” Senator Hanson-Young said. “Jokes about the sexual and racial profiles of other journalists from other stations, divisive and violent language about women and sex, and goes into vulgar detail about sex acts. Comments on air that refer to fellow hosts as being annoying ‘b****’, jokes about overweight women and mental health." Senator Hanson-Young said the content was “not just vulgar” but “disgusting”. “It’s belittling, belittling of women, it’s misogynistic, it’s racist, it’s sexist – it’s off,” she said. Senator Hanson-Young went not on to reference 59 complaints about the show made between July and October, but Ms O'Loughlin but noted under the co-regulatory framework that complaints needed to be “dealt with by the broadcaster first and come to us for investigation after that”. Senator Hanson-Young pointed out the ACMA doesn’t have to wait for “specific complaints” to undertake motion investigations, asking why the ACMA hasn’t launched an investigation, claiming the comments breach decency standards. “Why haven’t you? This is revolting, sexist, racist, misogynistic, divisive stuff on free to air radio from 6am in the morning … to 10am in the morning, and you haven’t investigated it?” Ms Hanson-Young said. Ms O’Loughlin said, “We have not turned our mind to undertaking such a review, but I’m happy to take your concerns on notice and discuss that with the authority. We will take those (comments) seriously, and we’ll have an internal conversation.” Image credits: Facebook

Legal

"Absolutely despicable": Anthony Albanese slammed for Tourette's comment

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has issued an apology after making a sarcastic comment about Tourette Syndrome during Parliament’s Question Time on Tuesday. During a heated discussion, the PM addressed Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor and said, “The idea - I mean this nonsense that they carry on with, the idea that we’re... have you got Tourette’s or something? You know, you sit there, babble, babble, babble.” Albanese immediately withdrew the comment and apologised. He went further on Tuesday evening, saying he knew the comment was inappropriate as soon as he said it. “Today in Question Time I made comments that were unkind and hurtful,” he said. “I knew it was wrong as soon as I made the comment. I apologised and I withdrew as soon as I said it but it shouldn’t have happened.” “And I also want to apologise to all Australians who suffer from this disability. I regret saying it, it was wrong, it was insensitive and I apologise.” Despite his apologies, his comments drew much criticism from Shadow Health Minister Anne Ruston, who said that “mocking a disability is no laughing matter”. “This is absolutely despicable behaviour from (Albanese). The Prime Minister must immediately apologise to the entire Tourette’s community,” she posted on X, formerly Twitter. “Australians living with Tourette’s deserve the PM’s respect, not his ridicule.” Tourette Syndrome Association of Australia president Mandy Maysey, who has three children with the neurological disorder, was also outraged by the prime minister's comments, saying she was “absolutely livid”. “I’m incredibly disappointed and just gobsmacked somebody that has the national stage would use that platform and Tourette syndrome to make an insult,” she told <a href="https://7news.com.au/news/anthony-albanese-slammed-for-tourettes-slur-during-question-time-c-16321667">7News</a>. “That’s my perspective as president of the association. As a parent, I am absolutely livid and disgusted. It shows a lack of education.” “At the very least he owes the Tourette’s community an apology,” she said. “This shows we have a very long way to go until Tourette syndrome is taken seriously as a condition.” Image credits: Shutterstock

Caring

Nat Barr slammed for “out of touch” comments about the housing crisis

Nat Barr has been widely slammed online for her comments on the housing crisis, with many claiming she is “stirring the pot”. On Wednesday’s Sunrise show, Barr was just joined by two experts to discuss Labor’s Help To Buy Bill, which would allow Australians earning under $90,000 to buy a home with just a 2 per cent deposit. While discussing the legislation, Barr said she’s worried her two sons — aged 19 and 22 — won’t be able to purchase a home after finance spokesperson Jane Hume claimed “Australians have already rejected this policy right around the country”. “I’m in the lucky position that I got to buy mine when they were cheaper years ago but I don’t know how my kids are going to buy one,” Barr said. Barr, who has hosted Sunrise since 2020, has never spoken publicly about her salary, but it has long been speculated that she earns more than $1 million per year. Viewers were quick to slam her comments on Facebook, claiming Barr will “set her kids up”. “She is the last person who should speak. she’s wealthy and will set her kids up,” one person commented, while another added, “So many young people are buying houses every day without the help of mum and dad. Nat’s just stirring the pot.” Another commenter added, “She makes enough money to buy a house for each of her sons. They’ll be just fine. Check your privilege, Nat.” Image credits: Instagram / Sunrise

The Block stars slam Scott Cam's "very distasteful" comments

The Block's longtime host Scott Cam has come under fire after he criticised this year's cast for being "less resilient" than previous years. After almost 14 years on the show, the TV personality gave his honest answer when asked how he thinks the contestants have changed since 2010. “The contestants are less resilient than they were 20 years ago, 15 years ago,” he told news.com.au. “There’s more expectation of it getting easier, but it’s not. It gets harder… And people aren’t ready for how hard it is.” His comments didn't sit well with this year's cast, with Paige and Jesse telling Yahoo Lifestyle that they thought Scott's remarks were "very distasteful". “A lot of people didn't like what Scott said. A lot of people did not like that,” Paige shared. “I think that was very distasteful.” The couple were first pair to ever quit the show mid filming. “It’s different now. We’re 20 years through and the show's changed,” Jesse added. “We probably don't do as much building as 15, 20 years ago, because you can't. You have consultations every single day.” The WA-based team added that contestants were made to “run around to sponsors 10 hours a day, with this year's Phillip Island location making it difficult to attend the consultations and getaways in Melbourne. “This year was a lot of driving, like you’re on the road for eight to 10 hours a day,” Jesse continued. “That’s a big part of The Block this year, and a lot of people don't actually realise that.” Paige and Jesse also revealed that viewers don't see the full story play out on TV. “They’re creating a storyline which we know about,” Jesse said. Images: Channel Nine

"You are terrible": Brutal comment that drove Paralympian to greatness

From a young age, Paralympian Madison de Rozario knew that people treated her differently. "There's an enormous lack of expectation in what we [people with disabilities] are able to do in sport, in workplaces, in school," she told 9honey. "It can be the death of potential … I didn't recognise that's what I was experiencing as a young kid." Born in Perth, Western Australia, De Rozario developed a neurological disease at just four-years-old and has used a wheelchair ever since. It didn't hold her back from playing sports with her two sisters, and now she is a Paralympic champion with six medals to her name - two golds, three silvers, and a bronze medal. De Rozario recalled how Frank Ponta – a silver medallist at the first ever Paralympics in 1960, an inaugural Australian Paralympic Hall of Famer, and coach to several Paralympic icons – helped her overcome her early doubts. "There was a lot of sympathy, a lot of pity, which I didn't recognise as pity at the time," she said. "And then there was Frank, and he had none of it." Ponta was part of a generation of para athletes that fought for recognition and support back when most Australia treated them as if they were invisible. She recalled how the first time Ponta saw her try to play basketball at just 12-years-old, he told her, "you are terrible at this sport". While it's not exactly what a young athlete would expect to hear, she acknowledged that she was terrible, but Ponta saw her potential. He dug an old racing wheelchair out of a storage cupboard, strapped her in and told her to go for a spin around the carpark. "It was way too big for me and I absolutely fell in love with it," she recalled. Not long after, Ponta was training her multiple times a week even in the toughest conditions. Not only did he believe in her, he expected her to achieve great things and that expectation changed everything. "I think he was the first person that didn't treat me carefully," she said. "He just treated me like an athlete." A year later, one of Ponta's protegees, Sauvage, took over De Rozario's coaching and helped her nab a last-minute spot at the Beijing Paralympics in 2008. De Rozario debuted 48 years after Ponta and brought home the silver medal, the same medal he won at his debut. Ponta sadly died in 2011, a year before De Rozario competed in London, leaving behind a legacy for all para athletes to come. "I feel so just incredibly lucky that I had one of them in my corner. I didn't even realise it until he was gone," she said. "I feel so lucky that that's how my career started, with someone who just embodied all of those things that now as a 30-year-old, I hold very, very close." These memories help fuel her as she prepares for her fifth Paralympics in Paris this month. This year she hopes to make Ponta proud and be the inspiration to the next generation of para athletes. "That part still sits so restlessly in me," she said. Image: DARREN ENGLAND/EPA-EFE/ Shutterstock Editorial

International Travel

Sacked Olympic commentator hits back at "massive overreaction"

Fired Olympics commentator Bob Ballad has hit back at the "massive overreaction" to the sexist comments he made about the Aussie swim team that cost him his job at the Paris Games. Ballard was <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/entertainment/tv/commentator-sacked-after-sexist-comment-on-aussie-swim-team" target="_blank" rel="noopener">sacked</a> by EuroSport after making a sexist remark about Australia's female swimmers after their gold medal win in the 4x100m freestyle. After the win, the former BBC commentator said, "Well, the women just finishing up. You know what women are like… hanging around, doing their make-up.” Ballard’s co-commentator Lizzie Simmonds laughed at the remark, calling it "outrageous". The commentator was then sacked from the Games, issuing an apology statement online, saying, "It was never my intention to upset or belittle anyone and, if I did, I apologise." However, speaking to British media outlet LBC on Tuesday, Ballard said the public's response to his sexist comments were an "overreaction". He said, "I am overwhelmed by the reaction I’ve had from the British public." "It was a throwaway line - some people might say it’s a bit old-fashioned but it was never meant to offend. It was never meant to upset everybody and I think there’s been a massive overreaction from my employers." "I’m dealing with it as best I can right now." These comments welcomed a fresh wave of backlash, with commenters on social media saying his sacking was the "right message to send" in response to everyday sexism. One person wrote on X, "This sort of “joke” for women is part of the every day, sexist, chipping away we are used to. People (often men, but women too) say it’s harmless but consider very recent news to see how this can contribute to much worse attitudes to women. It was the right message to send." Another person added, "Because even us oldies, who grew up in a different time, know it was inappropriate." After Ballard's comments during the Olympics, his employer EuroSport issued a statement to confirm that he would be let go from his commentating position. "During a segment of Eurosport’s coverage last night, commentator Bob Ballard made an inappropriate comment," EuroSport wrote online. "To that end, he has been removed from our commentary roster with immediate effect." Images: Twitter (X) | Paul Kitagaki, Jr/ZUMA Press Wire | Shutterstock

Sacked Olympic commentator breaks silence

The Olympic commentator who was removed from the Paris Games broadcast over his <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/entertainment/tv/commentator-sacked-after-sexist-comment-on-aussie-swim-team" target="_blank" rel="noopener">sexist remarks</a> about the Australian women's swim team has apologised for his comments. Bob Ballard was pulled from Olympic broadcaster Eurosport's coverage of the Games after he was met with a wave of backlash online for comments made following the Aussie swim team's win in the 4x100 metres freestyle relay. During the medal ceremony, Ballard made a comment that quickly drew widespread criticism, "Well, the women just finishing up," he said. "You know what women are like … hanging around, doing their make-up." Ballard's co-commentator, Lizzie Simmonds, described the remark, which went viral on social media, as "outrageous". On Monday night, Ballard apologised on X, formerly Twitter, saying he didn't mean to cause offence. He wrote, "The comments I made during the Australian freestyle relay victory ceremony on Saturday have caused some offence. It was never my intention to upset or belittle anyone and, if I did, I apologise." "I am a massive advocate of women’s sport. I shall miss the Eurosport team, dearly and wish them all the best for the rest of the Olympics." He then added that he didn't want fans to "pile on" his co-commentator Simmonds, saying she "had nothing to do with it." Following the widespread backlash to his controversial comments, Eurosport announced they would be removing Ballard from its Games broadcasts. <div> <div>"During a segment of Eurosport's coverage last night, commentator Bob Ballard made an inappropriate comment," the broadcaster said in a statement.</div> </div> <div> <div>"To that end, he has been removed from our commentary roster with immediate effect."</div> <div> </div> <div>The incident overshadowed what was a celebratory moment for Australian fans. The quartet of Mollie O'Callaghan, Shayna Jack, Emma McKeon, and Meg Harris clinched gold in the 4x100m freestyle relay with a time of 3:28.92, continuing Australia's dominance in the event for the fourth consecutive Olympics.</div> </div> Image credits: X (Twitter)/Xinhua News Agency/Shutterstock Editorial

Commentator sacked after sexist comment on Aussie swim team

EuroSport commentator Bob Ballard has been removed from his duties following a controversial remark directed at Australia's women's 4x100m freestyle relay team. The incident occurred as the team celebrated their gold medal win on Sunday. During the medal ceremony, Ballard made a comment that quickly drew widespread criticism: "Well, the women just finishing up," he said. "You know what women are like … hanging around, doing their make-up." Despite attempting to laugh off the remark, his co-commentator, Lizzie Simmonds, immediately labelled it "outrageous". The comment soon went viral, leading to swift action from EuroSport. By Monday morning, EuroSport had announced that Ballard was relieved of his commentary duties. In a statement, the network said, "During a segment of Eurosport’s coverage last night, commentator Bob Ballard made an inappropriate comment. To that end, he has been removed from our commentary roster with immediate effect." Ballard is a seasoned broadcaster with a career spanning several decades and multiple Olympic Games. The incident overshadowed what was a celebratory moment for Australian fans. The quartet of Mollie O'Callaghan, Shayna Jack, Emma McKeon, and Meg Harris clinched gold in the 4x100m freestyle relay with a time of 3:28.92, continuing Australia's dominance in the event for the fourth consecutive Olympics. As the Paris Olympics continue, Ballard will be watching from the sidelines, his remarks coming at a time when the International Olympic Committee is promoting the Games as "The Equal Games". Images: Twitter (X) | Paul Kitagaki, Jr/ZUMA Press Wire | Shutterstock

Jack Black cancels Tenacious D tour after on-stage Trump comment

Jack Black has cancelled the rest of Tenacious D's Australia and New Zealand tour after his bandmate Kyle Gass’s on-stage joke about the attempted assassination of Donald Trump was widely condemned. Gass was celebrating his 64th birthday on stage at Sydney’s International Convention Centre on Sunday night, just hours after Trump was fired upon at a rally Pennsylvania, when Black presented him with a cake and asked for his birthday wish. “Don’t miss Trump next time,” Gass replied. The moment was captured and posted to TikTok where it quickly went viral, even attracting attention from radio shock jock <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/entertainment/music/kyle-slaps-comedy-legends-with-lifetime-ban-for-twisted-trump-joke" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kyle Sandilands</a>, who proposed Tenacious D receive a lifetime ban from touring in Australia. Since the moment garnered online attention, Kyle Gass has been dropped by his talent agency, Greene Talent, with rep Michael Greene telling <a href="https://www.tmz.com/2024/07/16/tenacious-d-kyle-gass-dropped-talent-agency-trump-shooting-comment/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-link-type="article-inline">TMZ</a> they have parted ways due to the incident. In the hours after the show, Jack Black took to Instagram where he shocked fans by announcing the rest of their tour would be cancelled, as the joke prompted a falling out between the two bandmates. “I was blindsided by what was said at the show on Sunday. I would never condone hate speech or encourage political violence in any form,” Black wrote in a statement. “After much reflection, I no longer feel it is appropriate to continue the Tenacious D tour, and all future creative plans are on hold. I am grateful to the fans for their support and understanding.” Gass has since apologised for the joke, saying, “The line I improvised onstage Sunday night in Sydney was highly inappropriate, dangerous and a terrible mistake." “I don’t condone violence of any kind, in any form, against anyone. What happened was a tragedy, and I’m incredibly sorry for my severe lack of judgement." “I profoundly apologise to those I’ve let down and truly regret any pain I’ve caused.” Image credits: Reynaud Julien/APS-Medias/ABACA/Shutterstock Editorial/TikTok

Music

Laura Tingle shares "regret" over racism comments

Laura Tingle has shared her "regret" over her <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/laura-tingle-under-fire-after-declaring-australia-a-racist-country" target="_blank" rel="noopener">comments</a> that Australia is "a racist country", as the ABC Director of News responded to her claims. Tingle caused outrage after she made the claims about Australia being inherently racist during a panel on Sunday as part of the Sydney Writer's Festival. Now, ABC News director Justin Stevens says her comments did not meet the organisation's editorial standards. “Although the remarks were conversational, and not made in her work capacity, the ABC and its employees have unique obligations in the Australian media,’’ he said in a <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/about/media-centre/statements-and-responses/justin-stevens-statement-on-laura-tingle/103909056" target="_blank" rel="noopener">statement</a>. “Today she has explained her remarks in more detail to ensure there is a factual record of the relevant context and detail." “The ABC’s editorial standards serve a vital role. Laura has been reminded of their application at external events as well as in her work and I have counselled her over the remarks." In response to much nation-wide backlash over her comments, Tingle issued a lengthy statement clarifying her remarks and also sharing her "regret". “I did indeed make the observation on Sunday that we are a racist country, in the context of a discussion about the political prospects ahead,’’ Tingle said. “I wasn’t saying every Australian is a racist. But we clearly have an issue with racism. Without even going into the historic record, there is also ample evidence that racism remains a particular problem in our legal and policing systems." “In my commentary at the ABC, and at the Sydney Writers’ Festival, I expressed my concern at the risks involved in Peter Dutton pressing the hot button of housing and linking it to migration for these reasons," she continued. “Political leaders, by their comments, give licence to others to express opinions they may not otherwise express. That does not make them racist, but it has real world implications for many Australians.” She went on to add a statement of "regret", saying, “I regret that when I was making these observations at the Writers’ Festival the nature of the free-flowing panel discussion means they were not surrounded by every quote substantiating them which would have – and had – been included in what I had said earlier on the ABC." “This has created the opportunity for yet another anti-ABC pile-on. This is not helpful to me or to the ABC. Or to the national debate. I am proud of my work as a journalist at the ABC, on all its platforms, and I let that work speak for itself.” ABC News boss Justin Stevens confirmed on Thursday that Tingle had been “counselled over her remarks” and "reminded of their application at external events as well as in her work." Image credits: ABC News / DANNY CASEY/EPA-EFE / Shutterstock Editorial

Legal

Laura Tingle under fire after declaring Australia "a racist country"

One of the ABC's most senior journalists Laura Tingle has caused outrage after declaring Australia is "a racist country". The political reporter made the claims while speaking on a panel at the Sydney Writer's Festival on Sunday at an event hosted by former ABC TV Insiders host and Labor staffer Barrie Cassidy. Her comments were in response to the Opposition Leader Peter Dutton's pledge to slash permanent migration to just 140,000 a year, as well as the ABC's coverage of the war in Gaza. <div> <div>“We are a racist country, let’s face it," she said. We always have been, and it’s very depressing.”</div> </div> “The Opposition Leader has opened the doors to migrants being blamed not just for housing shortages but for all these other problems, too,” she added. On Sunday, Tingle said that after listening to Dutton's pledge, she “had this sudden flash of people turning up to try and rent a property or at an auction and they look a bit different – whatever you define different as – [and] that basically (Dutton) has given them licence to be abused, and in any circumstance where people feel like they’re missing out”. Her comments have prompted outrage among senators, with Indigenous Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price saying she is "really disappointed" by Tingle's comments. “This continued narrative … is being pushed within our country that does not provide any sense of pride for our children,” she said. “It absolutely creates division. We had enough of it during the [Indigenous Voice] referendum and leading journalists, well, supposedly leading journalists, like Laura Tingle should know better than to use that sort of rhetoric.” Price said the comments reflected Tingle’s opinion, rather than being a reflection of the whole country, as she also accused Tingle of political bias against Dutton, saying it reflected poorly on the ABC. “Laura has demonstrated her bias and I think [ABC chair] Kim Williams needs to explain why having someone so blatantly partisan sitting in the top political commentator position is acceptable.” Elsewhere, Albanese government minister Tanya Plibersek also took issue with Tingle’s comments. “I think it’s a fantastic multicultural country but we have to protect against incidents of racism which occur in our community as they do in every community,” Plibersek told Seven’s Sunrise on Monday. Following Tingle's comments, ABC board members have had emergency discussions over their colleague, after the Coalition on Monday demanded the public broadcaster explain Tingle’s weekend claims. Image credits: LUKAS COCH/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Editorial

Legal

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

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/mario-peucker-192086">Mario Peucker</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/victoria-university-1175">Victoria University</a> 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”. 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”. 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. 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? 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? Assuming it is true Kerr used the term “white”, there is a racial element. But “racial” is not the same as “racist”. <h2>Definitions of racism</h2> 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. 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. 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. 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>”. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.” <h2>Reverse racism?</h2> 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). 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. 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”. 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. 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. 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. Claims of anti-white or “reverse” racism are based on a shallow, misguided and inaccurate understanding of what racism really constitutes. 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. 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? What would they think about their right to equality and their place in society?<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" /> <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, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/victoria-university-1175">Victoria University</a> 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>.

Legal

Sam Kerr's alleged racial comments revealed by UK paper

The legal controversy surrounding Matildas star Sam Kerr following allegations of racially charged remarks directed towards a police officer in London continues to unfold, after a UK newspaper published those alleged remarks. 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. 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. 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. 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. In response to the controversy, Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson and Football Australia CEO James Johnson expressed their lack of prior knowledge regarding the incident. 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. “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.” Images: Getty

Legal

Nat Bass slams "vicious" comments about new relationship

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. 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. The Rouge Traders star shared an emotional plea about wanting the hate to stop and said that she will be blocking trolls. "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. "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." "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." 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! "Be kind, you don't know what people are going through and it's a dangerous slippery slope," she added. <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> </div> </blockquote> Fans shared support for the singer, and applauded her for standing up for herself and her loved ones. "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. "Sending you and your beautiful family so much love 💜💫 well said keep shining that beautiful light of yours," added another. "You go Girl!! ❤️💯 Block and delete," commented a third. Images: Instagram

Relationships

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

Love triumphed over adversity last weekend as Vikki Campion, former staffer and Saturday Telegraph 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. 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">Saturday Telegraph</a> column entitled "My perfect wedding and the Barnaby Joyce that I know and love", Campion dismissed the negative comments, saying, "In the country, they say one man’s trash is another’s treasure. Well, I found mine ... Call it trash all you like. It will always be perfect to us." 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Images: Office of the Deputy Prime Minister / Instagram

Relationships

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

An Australian influencer has been forced to address a "racist" comment she made about her son's lunch. 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. 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. “Do you want to be ‘smelly curried egg boy’?” she asked him. 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. 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. “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. She said sarcastically, “I’m being racist to eggs.” Stevenson then doubled down on the follower’s outrage, following that with a cooking tutorial for “racist eggs”. 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. “She should have apologised and taken it down instead she’s made it worse,” one commenter wrote. The general consensus from the public was that the original racism accusation “was a definite reach”, but she went too far with her explanation. “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. Image credits: Instagram

Food & Wine

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

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. What made this tragedy even more unsettling was a newsletter written by Dr John Collier, headmaster of the Shore School in North Sydney, 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>, 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. 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". 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. "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. "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. "What led to his mental disintegration? Was it a psychotic episode which was deeply out of character?" 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. 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. 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. Images: Facebook

News

Wayne Carey's flippant comment on past cheating scandal

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. The exchange began when the former AFL player made a seemingly innocent statement about AFL teams trading players. “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. “Difference between being good and great? Absolutely nothing beats hard work #tradeshow.” 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?” “Didn’t work hard enough?” another added to the banter. Many others added to the virtual pile on, until one fan recalled the reason why he had to change clubs 21 years ago. “He slept with his teammate's wife!” the account wrote, to which the footy star responded with “3 times”. 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. On last year’s season of SAS Australia, Carey spoke candidly about the affair scandal. “I slept with a teammate’s wife. It’s haunted me for 20 years,” he said at the time. “My integrity will always be questioned. I’m not trying to prove anything to the public — it’s to myself." “People can change. They evolve. Hopefully this can help me.” Image credits: Getty Images

Relationships

Dawn French hits back at "shameful" weight loss comments

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. In 2014, the British comedian and actress dropped over 45kg after undergoing a hysterectomy following a terrifying cancer scare. The dramatic weight loss came after French's surgeon said she would heal better from the procedure if she lost weight. At the time, dozens of articles were written about French's transformation, praising her weight loss. 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">The Times</a> how unfair it is that women are in the public eye are often “reduced” to descriptions of their appearance. “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. “[British singer] Alison Moyet is a very good friend and so often she has been reduced to descriptions of her physicality.” “She’s this giant talent, why reduce her to that? I’m not taking any s*** from anyone about any of it,” she said. French went on to reflect on the early days of her career, which began in the late 1980s alongside Jennifer Saunders. Despite the success of their BBC show French and Saunders, they were often described by how they looked, something she says “never” happened to their male colleagues. “For many years Jennifer [Saunders] and I were always described by how we looked, especially me, because I was the bigger one.” “It was always about ‘running to fat’ or ‘plump’, and they never said that about any of the male comedians.” “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. Image credits: Getty Images

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