Australia: CFWIJ condemns the Perth mayor’s derogatory remarks towards Jenna Clarke

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March 5, 2021— Broadcaster turned politician Basil Zempilas made reprehensible remarks towards his female co-host. While hosting the morning show, Mr. Zempilas referred to Jenna finding a seat on the floor at the attorney general's press conference earlier that week. The mayor commented that he saw Jenna Clarke before "in jeans and on your knees". The sexist remarks of Mr. Zempilas sparked controversy on Twitter. CFWIJ condemns the derogatory remarks made by the mayor, and we ask him to issue an apology.

Basil Zempilas co-hosts the breakfast show Triple M with Jenna Clarke. On Thursday's show, he mocked Jenna Clarke with sexist remarks, saying, "I’ve seen you in jeans and on your knees before", referencing her taking a seat on the floor during the attorney general’s press conference. He continued, "You like to get down on the floor, don't you?". The mayor’s disgusting remarks garnered attention and were shared on Twitter by fellow journalist Emma Wynne. Emma is a correspondent for ABC News, Perth.

Mr. Zempilas’s remarks towards his female colleague were widely criticized on Twitter. In response, the mayor denied hurling any insults and said the quotes were out of context. According to him, it was an innocent conversation free of ill-intention. The mayor was reminded to be more respectful towards journalists in the work environment. Several Twitter users asked Zempilas to stop clarifying and recognize his mistake.

The Coalition For Women In Journalism condemns the mayor's derogatory remarks. We demand Mr. Zempilas immediately issue an apology and recognize the offensive nature of his comments. We offer our full support to Jenna Clarke and Emma Wynne, and we emphasize the need for a safer working environment for women journalists.