In a shocking turn of events, Crikey CEO Will Hayward has publicly denounced columnist Guy Rundle for an “inflammatory” text message sent to ABC Radio claiming that “every grope is now sexual assault.” The controversial message, read out on air by RN Breakfast host Patricia Karvelas, has sparked outrage and condemnation from both Crikey and the broader public.
Rundle’s text came in response to a discussion on the alarming rise of sexual assault offenses in Queensland over the past decade, which has become a key issue in the state’s election. Lawyer Angela Lynch, executive officer of the Queensland Sexual Assault Network, was interviewed on the topic by Karvelas, prompting Rundle’s inflammatory reply.
Karvelas, clearly taken aback by the message, told listeners: “Guy Rundle has written in to say, ‘soft interview on the head of a failed strategy, and it’s because every grope is now a sexual assault and people don’t believe policy people’. Well, that’s quite staggering.” The revelation of Rundle’s text has sent shockwaves through the media industry and beyond.
Crikey CEO Promises Action
In response to the controversy, Crikey CEO Will Hayward swiftly issued a statement rejecting Rundle’s sentiments. “We abhor and reject the comment submitted to the ABC yesterday morning regarding sexual assault,” Hayward declared. “We are investigating this matter and will take the appropriate action once we’ve spoken to those involved.”
The scandal comes as a blow to Crikey, as Rundle is considered one of the independent news website’s biggest drivers of subscriptions. However, this is not the first time the columnist has found himself embroiled in controversy over his writing.
Rundle’s History of Controversial Pieces
Last year, Rundle faced widespread condemnation for an opinion piece about the commonwealth compensation received by Brittany Higgins, who alleged she was sexually assaulted in Parliament House in 2019. In the article, titled “The Brittany Higgins case: we’re not required to leave our brains at the security entrance,” Rundle argued that because Higgins received a payment from the commonwealth, “we have a right to hear the full story.”
Higgins, he wrote, had “about as much motive as anyone has ever had to make a false sex crime claim,” saying that being found “naked and asleep on your boss’s office sofa is a career killer, obviously”.
Guy Rundle, Crikey
Following the backlash, Crikey apologized to Higgins, unpublished the offensive article, and issued a lengthy second apology penned by editor-in-chief Sophie Black and editor Gina Rushton.
A Pattern of Provocative Comments
Rundle’s controversial takes have landed Crikey in hot water before. In 2016, the columnist came under fire for publishing obscene comments about the relationship between then-Labor frontbencher David Feeney and his wife, lawyer Liberty Sanger.
In the piece, Rundle called Feeney “fat” and made crude speculations about the couple’s sex life, implying that then-Greens leader Richard Di Natale was amused by the offensive remarks. The incident sparked outrage and raised questions about Rundle’s judgment and Crikey’s editorial standards.
The Future of Guy Rundle at Crikey
As the fallout from Rundle’s latest controversy continues, all eyes are on Crikey to see how the organization will handle the situation. CEO Will Hayward has promised to investigate the matter and take appropriate action, but it remains to be seen what consequences, if any, Rundle will face for his inflammatory text message.
Some have called for Rundle’s dismissal, arguing that his pattern of offensive comments and provocative takes has no place in a respectable news organization. Others, however, maintain that Rundle’s unique voice and controversial opinions are part of what makes Crikey stand out in a crowded media landscape.
As the scandal unfolds, it has reignited a broader debate about the role of opinion writers, the boundaries of acceptable commentary, and the responsibility of media organizations to hold their contributors accountable for their words. For now, the future of Guy Rundle at Crikey hangs in the balance as the investigation into his latest transgression gets underway.
The controversy serves as a stark reminder of the power and impact of words, especially when amplified by a prominent platform. As the media industry grapples with issues of trust, credibility, and accountability, incidents like these underscore the need for robust editorial standards and a commitment to responsible journalism.
