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60 Minutes responds to criticism over interview with Jacinda Ardern

"Sexist" interview by Charles Wooley creates anger across the ditch.

60 Minutes has responded to criticism of Charles Wooley’s interview with New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.

NZ commentary in both media and social media labelled Wooley “sexist” and “creepy” for his profile of 37 year old Ardern, who won the election in October.

“I’ve met a lot of prime ministers in my time, none so young, not many so smart and never one so attractive,” said Wooley.

“Admittedly, although somewhat smitten just like the rest of her country, I do know, that what’s really important in politics has to be what you leave behind,” he noted.

Wooley followed the PM to Waitangi, Parliament and to her home, grilling her less about her policies and more about her pregnancy.

“One really important political question that I want to ask you,” Wooley said. “And that is, what exactly is the date that the baby’s due?”

Ardern replied that her baby was due on 17 June, to which Wooley replied: “It’s interesting how many people have been counting back to the conception … as it were,” which made Gayford blush and laugh uncomfortably, responding: “Really?”

“Having produced six children it doesn’t amaze me that people can have children; why shouldn’t a child be conceived during an election campaign?” Wooley asked.

In a statement, 60 Minutes said, “In its 40 years on-air, 60 Minutes has always been renowned for its political interviews conducted without fear or favour.

“In interviews with various world leaders including Bob Hawke, Margaret Thatcher and current Australian PM Malcolm Turnbull, 60 Minutes reporters have always asked the tough questions which the public has been wanting to hear, while also showing the human side of these individuals that we rarely get to see.

“Charles Wooley came away from his interview with Jacinda Ardern in awe of her poise, intelligence and everyday charm, which was reflected in the full story.“

Source: Stuff, The Guardian

7 Responses

  1. The fact that the producers of 60 minutes fail to see how sexist and ridiculous this interview was, says a lot about Channel 9 in general really.
    Also if I was George Negus I’d be really offended that they are drawing comparisons between this insipid interview and the one he did with Margaret Thatcher.

  2. Let’s imagine he was interviewing Justin Trudeau and his pregnant wife. Would he have made the same comments and asked the same questions. I suspect not.

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