For everyone else watching, the end of 2017 and the beginning of 2018 has signified a reckoning for men in power across the entertainment and media industries.
Under the banners ‘Me Too’ and ‘Time’s Up’, women are calling for an end to sexual harassment and gender inequality in the workforce. And men have been standing up in solidarity with the women around them.
Everyone except Sam Newman, of course, who last night on the premiere episode of this season’s The AFL Footy Show took only minutes to say something vulgar about a female journalist and the #MeToo movement itself.
On International Women’s Day, no less.
Watch Sam Newman’s vile comments on the AFL Footy Show in the video below.
It started when co-hosts Eddie McGuire and Rebecca Maddern asked Newman, 72, a social commentator and former AFL player, about reports that he’s running to become the next Lord Mayor of Melbourne.
“Now, Sam I have got to ask you, you have made the headlines the last couple of weeks,” McGuire began, before mentioning News Corp columnist Susie O’Brien, who regularly criticises Newman’s conservative views.
“Even your nemesis at the Herald Sun Susie O’Brien is writing that it could well be conceivable that you could be the next Lord Mayor of Melbourne,” McGuire continued.
Cue: Extreme and unnecessary vulgarity.
“I reckon that woman gets aroused when she writes about me,” Newman said. “I am keeping her in business, I reckon she secretly wishes I would chat her up.”
Despite McGuire’s head-shaking, and Maddern’s blunt, “I don’t think so”, Newman continued.
He made reference to the #MeToo movement, saying O’Brien “wouldn’t have to worry” about sexual harassment. The implications of his comments are horrendous.
“I don’t think she has ever got to worry about the #MeToo movement because I don’t think that will ever visit her,” he said. “She is delusional.”
The nation, of course, was appalled:
Newman is no stranger to controversy.
In September 2009, he attracted reprimand from the Australian Communications and Media Authority after likening a Malaysian man to a monkey, again while appearing on The AFL Footy Show.
His ‘joke’ that the man was “not long out of the forest” was criticised for its racism, The Advertiser reports, and Nine donated $200,000 to charity in an attempt at apology.
In 2014, he flashed his genitals on the same show.
His jibes towards his co-host Rebecca Maddern have previously been labelled “sexist” and likened to “workplace harassment”.
And, in September last year, he criticised the AFL for supporting gay marriage, saying the league had “no right” to introduce a “political agenda”. Again, this rant was on The AFL Footy Show.
It’s a wonder Channel 9 still employ Newman when all of us are wondering: What could possibly be next?
It’s a disgrace.
Mamamia has contacted Channel 9 for comment.
LISTEN: The Time’s Up movement, explained. Post continues below.
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Top Comments
I agree it was a comment made in extremely poor taste but just to verify, he did not intentionally “flash” his genitals in 2014. Secondly, she has written vile comments about him in the past. Why is it ok for her to say horrible things about him but he can’t even say anything about her? Is this not a double standard too? Frankly I feel they are both the pot and the kettle.
It wasn’t a balanced or fair article because it didn’t mention the vile things she has said about him for years. What I see is a cry bully who used her position to abuse someone and then blubbed up as soon as he gave her a taste of her own medicine.
Annette I suggest you go out into the world and have a look around. The #metoo/timesup movements are all over not just on twitter. I dont even have Twitter and yet I'm aware. Is it virtue signalling to call people out on their poor behavior and let people know that sexual abuse and harrasment will no longer be tolerated. Do you think we should all just keep quiet instead? Social media is a great way to get the word out and fast. And you know I don't give a toss if poor old Sam Newman is sick of hearing it. Maybe when he gets the message people will stop shouting it at him. Also you do know that people are in outback communites trying to help out indigenous women of course there is more to be done. Maybe instead of calling other women out for not doing anything you could go help out yourself.
One of the unfortunate consequences of calling out poor behaviour on social media is that it has become a 'kangaroo court'. People are losing jobs and in some cases have suicided due to public accusations of harassment. Nothing proven of course, but guilt or innocence doesn't seem to matter anymore, the accuser is automatically believed, or an incident (e.g., when a young Dustin Hoffman allegedly dropped his towel in front of co-workers) is blown up out of proportion. The whole me too/times up movements are starting to echo the Salem Witch Trials.
Censors: why did you remove my comment? You are not helping women by blocking the dangers of #metoo. I thought you were for women?
Men are quietly watching #metoo and the lesson they are learning is it’s safer to just avoid women in the workplace because it’s not worth your career trying to help or mentor someone if they can just turn around and destroy you with an allegation, evidence or not. The Pence approach is a very rational response. I think this will cause more harm to all women in the end, but hey, your choice.
And yet it’s apparently bad to call out Warner’s wife’s bad behaviour in the past and if Senator Cash calls out Shortens office as well, that’s also crossing the line. Seems a little inconsistent.
She is getting beyond reasoning and she runs away when called out.