ABC host Lisa Millar has let loose on the vicious online trolls who attacked her over an outfit she wore on the station’s News Breakfast program.
On Wednesday morning, the journalist spoke directly about the abuse and said she was sickened by the comments, especially considering they were made so close to International Women’s Day.
“The fact that what I wore on Monday elicited obnoxious comments on Twitter, disgusting, disgusting personal insults that I wouldn’t and couldn’t repeat here — it was disturbing,” she said.
“I am angry, on this International Women’s Day. Angry on my behalf and also on behalf of other women, young women, who see those stories and see someone like me being violently abused day in and day out for whatever reason bullies can find.
“I’m afraid that makes you think that progress isn’t being made and that being a woman in the public arena isn’t worth it.”
ABC host Lisa Millar has let loose on the vicious trolls who attacked her online over an outfit she wore on the station’s News Breakfast program
Millar went on to say she had received a wave of support in the wake of the trolling that had given her “hope.”
“There are so many amazing women we can all look up to, so let’s celebrate them today,” she said.
Her co-presenter Michael Rowland stood by Millar, saying she was “one of the smartest women I know.”
“We’ve all seen behind the scenes here that you’ve been through a lot, you’ve been through the absolute wringer these past few days and sitting here this morning is a testament to your courage and strength. ‘ he said.
Earlier, Rowland had tweeted, “Enough. Enough of the insulting comments about Lisa Millar and other female presenters. And enough of reinforcing the bullying by republishing offensive comments. Do it better.’
However, media commentators such as Rob McKnight wondered if news sites including Daily Mail Australia, which had reported on the abuse Miller committed over her outfit, had anything to apologize for.
“The ABC passes judgment on the news.com.au story and calls for Lisa Millar trolls. Makes an interesting point about amplifying the trolls, but did the exhaust actually do something wrong?’ McKnight tweeted.
Her co-presenter Michael Rowland stood by Millar, saying she was ‘one of the smartest women I know’
Women’s Affairs Minister Katy Gallagher also joined in, saying the abuse of prominent women online was “particularly nasty”.
“To some extent, if we want to pursue a career in public life, our choice is whether to accept it or withdraw from it,” she said in the program.
“It is not an acceptable situation at all and we know it affects women’s choices.
“We won’t have a gender-equal Australia if people see Lisa’s experience and other women’s experience, it means women will choose not to pursue a career where they have to endure that online abuse.”
Millar deactivated her Twitter account in September 2021 for ruthless trolling.
Women’s Affairs Minister Katy Gallagher also weighed in, saying abuse of women online was ‘particularly nasty’
Journalist Leonardo Puglisi this week shared a collection of the “disgusting” tweets aimed at Millar, claiming it was yet another example of why the news anchor quit Twitter.
Others agreed with Puglisi, with many calling for Twitter users to be thrown off the platform.
‘That’s disgusting. Is it any wonder female journalists don’t do Twitter? That kind of misogynistic hatred is tame compared to some of the comments hurled at them. I hope this person gets reported and kicked off Twitter,” one person wrote.
A second person chimed in: “I’m not a fan of Lisa Millar, but these comments are reprehensible, misogynistic, and downright cowardly. They will also be reported.’
ABC spokeswoman Sally Jackson said, “The ABC will not dignify “mean comments” about a presenter’s attire by responding to them.”
ABC news director Justin Stevens said: “The relentless and vicious bullying Lisa Millar is being subjected to on social media, especially Twitter, is unacceptable.
“She’s an excellent broadcaster and journalist and does a fantastic job.”