The ABC has accused News Corp and the Daily Mail of exacerbating misogynistic abuse on social media by publishing articles that included “vile” Twitter criticism of News Breakfast host, Lisa Millar’s outfit.
Millar became the target of trolling due to a skirt she wore during Monday’s breakfast program.
The online abuse led to the publication of two news stories that contained abusive tweets and screenshots. The first story was published by the Daily Mail, followed by news.com.au on Tuesday.
The ABC News breakfast host abandoned Twitter in 2021 after being subjected to a barrage of abuse about her interviewing style and even her smile. However, critics continue to harass her on other platforms.
This incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing issue of online abuse and the need to address it urgently.
Speaking on News Breakfast on Wednesday morning, host Lisa Millar stated;
I’d like to take a minute to talk about what went on during the last 48 hours. If you’re blessedly oblivious and you’ve just been getting on with your life – great! – I won’t dwell on it.
The fact that what I wore on Monday attracted obnoxious commentary on Twitter – foul disgusting personal abuse that I couldn’t and wouldn’t repeat – was upsetting.
That it then ended up online on some news sites where the photos and the abuse were republished made me angry.
Thanks for all the support, you’ve all been awesome and some of you pretty funny, some of you suggesting if we all turned up in pyjamas you’d still be fans of the show.
I am angry though, on this International Women’s Day, on behalf of myself, but also on behalf of other women, young women, who see those stories and see someone like me being violently abused day after day for whatever reason bullies can find.
I worry it might make you think that no progress has been made and that it’s not worth it to be a woman in the public arena.
On this International Women’s Day I want to tell you the response over that rubbish yesterday gives me hope.
We are making progress, and we will make more, and there are so many awesome women who we can all look up to. Let’s celebrate them today.
And please, make a conscious decision today to be part of the solution.
Play a part in making our communities a better, kinder place, for everyone.
In a statement published online on Tuesday, a spokesperson for the ABC stated:
The ABC regularly receives queries concerning abusive comments being made on social media about presenters and journalists, particularly female ones.
Under the guise of concern, these stories are republishing abuse.
A story calling out the disrespectful online behaviour will be going up sometime this morning, so I would appreciate it if you could send me any comments by 9am. If any comments are sent after that, we will update the piece accordingly if it’s been published.
The ABC is not going to dignify any “vile comments” being made about a presenter’s clothes by responding to them.
If news.com.au was genuine in its concern about such behaviour it wouldn’t amplify it by republishing the comments it describes as “sickening”, accompanied by a screenshot.
Giving anonymous social media bullies publicity on a national platform is participating in perpetuating antisocial behaviour and the very serious issue of online abuse of women.
Especially on the eve of International Women’s Day, we ask for a more responsible approach to reporting on these issues.
Director, of ABC News Justin Stevens added:
“The relentless and vile bullying Lisa Millar is subjected to on social media, particularly Twitter, is unacceptable. She is an outstanding broadcaster and journalist and does an incredible job.
“Media outlets that amplify this disgusting anonymous trolling need to take a good hard look at themselves and their standards.”
