Sonia Kruger has addressed her critics on national television in an emotional segment, a day after she sparked outrage by calling for a ban on Muslim immigration.
Opening the show beside co-host David Campbell, Sonia said she wanted to say “a few things about what happened yesterday on The Today Show.”
"The discussion we had was centred around a newspaper article which measured the correlation of Muslim population in certain countries and the number of certain terrorist attacks. I thought the article made relevant points," she said.
"Last week’s attack on men, women and children in Nice left me in utter disbelief. I saw the image of a baby covered in a plastic sheet with a doll lying beside her and it rocked me to the very core. I imagined what that must have been like for the people of Nice, for the friends and families of the lost and the thought that it could happen here terrifies me.
"This type of attack affects people from all walks of life and I want to make it very clear that I have complete respect for people of all races, and religions. I acknowledge my views yesterday may have been extreme. The reaction overnight in the papers, online and via social media demonstrates that there are a myriad of opinions in Australia which I actually appreciate," she continued.
"It is a hugely complex and sensitive issue. It’s an issue with no simple answer. And it’s an issue that cannot be fully discussed in a short televised segment,” Kruger continued, looking close to tears.
Yesterday, Kruger revealed that a ban on Muslim immigration would "make her feel safe".
Continuing her statement this morning, Sonia said the answer lies with Australian politicians who "analyse, and then decide" on such issues.
"It's a privilege to live in a country such as Australia which embraces a multi-cultural society, but there is no simple answer here, and if we are to find a solution to this situation, at the very least we need to be able to discuss it," she said.
Sonia also released a statement on Twitter late yesterday afternoon, arguing that as a democratic society, she should be “able to discuss these issues without automatically being labelled a racist”.
A spokesperson for the Nine Network also said the comments reflected the variety of opinions expressed on the show. "Nine's view is that we believe in freedom of speech and the Mixed Grill segment on the TODAY show is a place where that happens," the spokesperson said. "Sonia, David and Lisa each expressed a variety of opinions on the show this morning." As soon as the controversial segment went to air, Twitter erupted with those who disagreed with Sonia's stance:
Top Comments
Initially, I was taken back by Sonia's comments but now I understand where she is coming from. She is scared and she wants a solution. Banning Muslim immigration however is too simplistic and borders on nonsensical. Firstly, religion could be easily lied about to gain entry. Secondly, banning Muslim immigration doesn't stop already present Muslims (or any individual) from becoming extremists. Thirdly, non Muslims can convert to Islam if they wanted to thereby still increasing the Muslim population. Fourthly, non Muslims can still carry out mass terror attacks. Fifthly, almost all Muslim immigrants are fantastic, hard working people that would benefit Australian society (there are many Muslim doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, lawyers) and we would be silly to exclude them from our country. Also, Australian Muslims may choose to marry overseas and bring their partners to Australia, we cannot stop them from bringing their partners and families into Australia. Additionally, foreign relationships could be severely affected if we decided to ban Muslims. Also, I feel such a policy would lead to discrimination (in the workplace, at schools etc.) against Muslims already living in Australia. Additionally, is this what we want to teach our children? That ostricising innocent people is an effective strategy for dealing with issues. Lastly, where does the buck stop? Will we start banning other religions and races if a few individuals start "acting up". I'm Hindu and I would be absolutely distraught if the Australian people, my home, turned on me because a few worthless clowns in India think it's a good idea to rape women.
I don't understand why Sonia is getting so much criticism and hate for expressing her beliefs on a matter. She gave reasonable and supported arguments and stated that she did not feel safe because of recent attacks in Nice and the Muslim connection to them. She simply does not want Australia the home we all share to be next.
The hate is in you, I never thought her comments were based in hate. Yours was the comment that brought it forth. Just to express ones feelings one is expected to conform to others' feelings does not make sense. Her comments were not irresponsible and I believe she has the right to be honest in the public light or else she takes the risk of being a bleeding heart bobble head with no identity of her own.