In a column published on the ABC News website today, host of Q&A and International Affairs Analyst Stan Grant has revealed that following next Monday’s Q&A episode he will step away from hosting the program for an unspecified amount of time.
Following the ABC’s coverage of The King’s coronation and comments made by the ABC host, who was invited onto the coverage to be part of the discussion, he has faced ongoing backlash online and criticism about his appearance and comments during the coverage.
In a statement released today, ABC News Director Justin Stevens said:
“Over many months, but particularly in recent days, Stan Grant has been subject to grotesque racist abuse, including threats to his safety. This has become particularly virulent since he appeared as part of the ABC’s Coronation coverage.
“It is abhorrent and unacceptable.
“Stan personally addresses this issue in a column published today.
“Stan is one of Australia’s best and most respected journalists and broadcasters. The ABC stands by him and condemns the attacks directed towards him.
“The ABC has and will continue to refer any threats to police. Already this year the ABC has lodged a detailed complaint with Twitter over the racist abuse of Stan being published on its platform.
“Stan Grant was one of a range of panelists who appeared during the 6 May Coronation coverage at the invitation of the ABC. He was not the instigator of the program. He was asked to participate as a Wiradjuri man to discuss his own family’s experience and the role of the monarchy in Australia in the context of Indigenous history.
“It is part of the ABC’s role to facilitate such important conversations, however confronting and uncomfortable, and to reflect the diversity of perspectives.
“The panel discussion in which he participated aired early as one segment in around eight hours of live Coronation coverage. The timing of this important discussion in the lead-up to the event has resulted in a strong response from some viewers. This is regrettable. The ABC Ombudsman will investigate editorial complaints about the coverage, according to the customary process.
“The responsibility for the coverage lies with ABC News management, not with Stan Grant. Yet it is he who has borne the brunt of a tirade of criticism, particularly in the usual sections of the media that target the ABC. Reporting on his contribution to the panel discussion has been unfair, inaccurate and irresponsible. It has contributed to fuelling horrendous personal and racial abuse.
“Any complaints, criticism – or vitriol – regarding the coverage should be directed to me, not to him.
“Yindyamalgirridyu mayinyguwal. In Wiradjuri that means I will respect other people.”
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