A contestant on the ABC’s Race Around the World has apologised after one of her remarks on the reality show was referred to the broadcaster’s internal ombudsman.
Ms Rinehart lodged a complaint over the four-minute clip, part of the ABC’s Race Around The World series, which ended with a voiceover which said: “When the revolution comes, will you hide under the bed or will you know exactly how to shove a stick right up Gina Rinehart’s butthole, stirring it round, mixing her guts up nice and smooth, to make one big sausage roll to make something out of nothing.”
Hancock Prospecting, Ms Rinehart’s company, called on the broadcaster to apologise and remove the segment for depicting violence against the mining magnate.
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An ABC spokesperson said the film was intended to be satirical in tone.
The ABC aired a controversial clip depicting violence against mining magnate Gina Rinehart, which a spokesperson said was intended to be ‘satirical’ in tone. Evan Morgan Credit: News Corp Australia
But on Thursday, contestant Kate McGuinness shared a statement via the ABC saying it was not her intention to promote violence.
“The sense of humour featured in each of my films on the Race Around The World program is farcical,” Ms McGuinness said.
“In no way was it my intention to promote violence.
“My writing is cartoonish and always satirical. Unfortunately, jokes do not land with everyone.
“Its purpose was never to be taken literally. I apologise to anyone I’ve offended.”
Hancock Prospecting called on the ABC to apologise and remove the segment. NewsWire / Joel Carrett Credit: News Corp Australia
The ABC initially released a statement defending the segment as “editorially justifiable” but referred the matter to the Ombudsman after backlash.
The ABC Ombudsman is an internal office that reports directly to the ABC board.
Communications Minister Anika Wells on Wednesday said the segment was unacceptable.
“My personal view is it’s unacceptable. Like any Australian, there’s stuff I see on TV that I don’t agree with,” she said.
Communications Minister Anika Wells said the segment was unacceptable. NewsWire / Martin Ollman Credit: News Corp Australia
“As the Minister for Communications, I respect the editorial independence of the ABC, but I understand they have now referred it to the Ombudsman. I think that was the right thing to do.”
The Australian Communications and Media Authority has not announced any action over the broadcast.
