Content Warning: This post addresses sexual assault and will be distressing for many readers.
Over the weekend, AFL great Barry Hall was sacked by FM radio network Triple M after making a vulgar on-air comment.
At the time, Hall was speaking to former St Kilda player and co-commentator Leigh Montagna during a pre-game chat at Friday night’s clash between the Western Bulldogs and Geelong at Etihad Stadium.
Hall commented on the impending birth of Montagna’s child, suggesting her obstetrician ought to touch her in order to stimulate the birth. The remark was excessively sexual, and the comments have resulted in a huge onslaught of backlash.
Among the pile-on, however, was a more nuanced voice – that of radio and television host, Meshel Laurie.
In an open letter to Barry Hall shared on Saturday afternoon, she powerfully explained why his joke was so harmful.
If you or someone you know needs someone to talk to, please do not hesitate to contact the following organisations for immediate support.
MensLine Australia 1300 789 978 www.mensline.org.au
Lifeline 13 11 14 www.lifeline.org.au
Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467 www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au
beyondlblue 1300 224 636 www.beyondblue.org.au
Top Comments
Love this by Meshel. Let’s not make this about Barry Hall. He made a big mistake - fact is though there is a culture around this type of talk. Let’s move the conversation away from what’s hell we can rain down on Hall and his co commentator’s to what we can do to shift this type of mindset to begin with.