Former AFL great Sam Newman has criticized the ABC over a controversial parody segment that aired on the program "Race Around the World" on July 12. The segment, titled "A Very Relaxing Video," featured a fictional and violent depiction involving mining billionaire Gina Rinehart, including crude remarks and graphic suggestions of assault.
Hancock Prospecting, Rinehart's company, has sent legal correspondence to ABC chair Kim Williams, deputy chair Lisa Caffery, and managing director Hugh Marks, alleging serious civil and criminal law breaches. The company is threatening legal action against the broadcaster for the broadcast and continued publication of the material.
Newman, speaking on his "You Cannot Be Serious" podcast, questioned the lack of an apology from the national broadcaster, comparing the situation to instances where other public figures have faced consequences for offensive comments or jokes. He argued that there appears to be an uneven standard when scrutinizing public figures and media personalities, suggesting that some individuals receive disproportionate attention for minor missteps while others escape scrutiny based on their perceived affiliations.
"There are a few of us out there who put the beer in the wrong esky and it gets reported on," Newman stated. "It gets overexaggerated. It gets blown out of all proportion and they want to talk about it for weeks. There are others who seem to miss out on that scrutiny because of whatever side they sit on."
Newman emphasized the importance of fairness and an "even playing field" for everyone, whether in sports, politics, law, or media. "It should be an even playing field, should it not?" he asked.
In response to the legal correspondence, an ABC spokesperson confirmed receipt of the letters and stated that the broadcaster would respond in due course. The ABC also noted that the ABC Ombudsman is independently reviewing audience complaints related to the July 12 episode in accordance with the ABC's established complaints handling process.
The filmmaker behind the sketch, Kate McGuinness, previously issued an apology, explaining that the segment was intended as satire and that her humor is "cartoonish and always satirical." She stated it was not her intention to promote violence and apologized to anyone offended, adding that "jokes do not land with everyone."
Communications Minister Anika Wells described the film as "unacceptable." The controversy has also drawn criticism from other notable Australians, including Olympic legend Dawn Fraser, who accused Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of failing to condemn the segment. Prime Minister Albanese has not made any public comments on the matter. The ABC has indicated it will refrain from further comment while the review process is ongoing.