Media Watch highlights Prue MacSween comments
Iced by Seven, but on Nine Prue MacSween still causes controversy, accused of casual racism.
- Published by David Knox
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Recent comments by Today Extra commentator Prue MacSween around Nick Kyrgios’ Greek heritage drew headlines and last night led to scrutiny on Media Watch.
Two weeks ago MacSween commented on the tennis player’s on court bad behaviour at the Italian Open.
“He should be banned for a couple of years at least. I mean, this guy should join a circus. He’s a clown. He has no ability to handle pressure …” she said.
“He should have been slapped as a child. He’s a spoilt little Greek brat who’s probably being treated like a Prince …
“He is a little creep and I’m sad to say he’s Australian.”
Nick Kyrgios has been fined more than $30,000 for his on-court outburst at the Italian Open. Was this a fair punishment? #9Today pic.twitter.com/tGL8nxeFYd
— The Today Show (@TheTodayShow) May 17, 2019
When Ben Fordham countered with, “Well, I don’t think it has got anything to do with him being Greek,” MacSween began to retract. Sort of.
“I love Greeks. I will say I love the Greeks … But I’m just saying the Greeks do spoil their kids a bit?” she replied.
She later added, “And my apologies to the Greeks. I love souvlaki and I like the Greeks.”
After she was accused of casual racism on social media she also responded on Twitter.
“Yasou! I know my words about Nick Kyrgios upset many Greeks and I apologise if I have done so. I love the Greek people and have many Greek friends who love my sense of humour. If you didn’t see the humour in it, I apologise,” she said.
After her comments on Sunrise around Indigenous children caused a furore in March 2018, Seven has never used MacSween again. But Media Watch highlighted several other comments on Today Extra, 2GB and the Sydney Morning Herald.
Paul Barry last night concluded, “…Nine have continued to use her as a regular guest. Proving that in the ratings game, almost anything goes, however toxic, personal and divisive it may be.”
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6 Responses
Loved Prue on Beauty and the Beast, but these days her comments are offensive and go too far. I think she may enjoy the controversy she creates.
I remember her from the 90s version of Beauty and the Beast. She has certainly sharpened teeth much more in recent years. But she was always mouthy but the targets are more contentious
Looks like one may need a lawyer[if you can find one] next to you these days to make sure what you say is politically correct
Not really. Commentators just need to follow network’s own broadcasting standards that they require of all their own staff.
May have crossed the line slightly but i find Prue hilarious! Hope they dont get rid of her!!
You find casual racism hilarious? If commentators can’t put across their opinion without resorting to the lowest common denominator, perhaps they shouldn’t be paid to commentate. There’s no need for this type of negative stereotyping on tv anymore.