Awkward moment Amanda Vanstone calls Indigenous educator and Young Australian of the Year nominee a ‘bastard’ on an open phone line
- Amanda Vanstone presents Counterpoint on Radio National
- She interviewed DeadlyScience founder Corey Tutt
- Mrs Vanstone denigrated the way Mr Tutt spoke
Federal politician turned ABC radio host Amanda Vanstone has been caught calling a guest an “asshole” while still on the phone after a pre-recorded interview.
The former Liberal minister for immigration and multicultural affairs had just spoken to Aboriginal educator and author Corey Tutt on her Counterpoint program on Wednesday when she made the comment.
Mr Tutt is the founder of DeadlyScience, which provides remote communities with educational resources, and was named NSW Young Australian of the Year 2020.
Last year he was awarded an Order of Australia Medal on the Queen’s Birthday Honors List for his services to Indigenous education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Federal politician turned ABC radio host Amanda Vanstone (above) has been caught calling a guest an “asshole” while still on the phone following a pre-recorded interview
Ms Vanstone’s guest Corey Tutt is the founder of DeadlyScience, which provides remote communities with educational resources, and was named the 2020 NSW Young Australian of the Year
After Ms Vanstone completed the interview with Mr Tutt and he remained on the line to speak to a producer, the Radio National presenter denigrated the way he spoke.
Mr. Tutt told The Guardian AustraliaIn the Weekly Beast column, he heard Mrs. Vanstone say that his interview needed to be edited so he didn’t sound like such an “asshole.”
“And you know, even as a Young Australian of the Year, as an OAM, as an associate professor, I’m still dealing with this s***,” he said. “Whatever I do, I’m still doing it.”
“I’ve been interviewed by so many radio hosts: right-wing people and extreme left-wing people, across the spectrum.
“But I’ve never been criticized for the way I talk. Because I am very real and do not have to be a politician. I don’t have to produce what I do, because I live and breathe it every day.’
Ms Vanstone called Mr Tutt to apologize after Mr Tutt told her producer that he heard every word she said.
The former ambassador to Italy told The Guardian: “I have apologized to Corey for what I said and would not want to make any public comment at the risk of further hurting him.”
A spokeswoman for the national broadcaster said Ms Vanstone’s behavior was unacceptable to the ABC.
“After a pre-recorded clip with a guest on her program, ABC RN host Amanda Vanstone made some hurtful comments about the guest’s performance, unaware that the guest was still on the phone,” she said.
Her behavior was not acceptable to the ABC.
Amanda Vanstone immediately apologized to the guest and the ABC also apologized. Amanda has received advice from her managers.’
Mr Tutt has asked that his interview with Ms Vanstone not be broadcast.