The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) is facing widespread backlash for airing a segment on its competition series "Race Around The World" that included a graphic and violent fantasy about mining magnate Gina Rinehart. The film, created by aspiring filmmaker Kate McGuinness, depicted a disturbing scenario involving the billionaire that has been described as a "vile attack" and a "pornographic violent fantasy."
McGuinness submitted the four-minute film, titled "A Very Relaxing Video," from Scotland as part of the show's challenge for filmmakers to create short films in different countries. While the initial portion of the film focused on relaxation exercises, it took a sharp turn towards the end with McGuinness's remarks about Rinehart.
Leigh Sales, a guest judge on the panel and a veteran ABC presenter, was the only judge to directly challenge the content, calling the comments about Rinehart "nasty" and an "easy and nasty gag." Sales stated that the filmmaker shifted the tone of the piece from universal to politically divisive, telling McGuinness, "What you were saying to the viewer was, 'We're all in this together unless you don't share my politics.'" McGuinness responded, "Unless you're Gina Rinehart."
The segment has drawn sharp criticism from commentators, including political commentator Andrew Bolt, who slammed the outburst as "barbaric hate fantasy" and "ugly and unforgivable." Bolt called for the segment to be removed from ABC's online platforms, questioning its suitability for primetime viewing and whether it violated the broadcaster's own standards regarding harm, offense, and audience respect.
Bolt also noted that Rinehart has been the subject of critical portrayals on the ABC previously. He cited a 2013 satirical comedy show "Wednesday Night Fever" where a performer dressed as Rinehart sang provocative lyrics, and a remark made about the billionaire on the Australia Day special "Always Was Tonight" earlier this year. Bolt suggested the latest incident was a "very gendered and political attack that the ABC would never forgive if done to a woman of the Left."
Public reaction on social media and in comments sections has largely echoed the criticism. Many viewers expressed outrage, with some calling for the ABC to be defunded and stating that Rinehart, as the country's richest person, deserves appreciation for her contributions. The segment, as of the report, remained available on ABC's online platforms. The Daily Mail has contacted both Mrs. Rinehart and the ABC for comment.