Russia: CFWIJ slams President Putin’s sexist remarks towards a US news anchor
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October 15, 2021, Moscow- President of Russia Vladimir Putin made sexist remarks against CNBC journalist Hadley Gamble during an interview. Putin implied that Hadley was too “pretty” to understand policy changes regarding the recent gas shortage in Europe. When pushed on the question, Putin displayed visible annoyance, adopting a pointedly rude demeanor. The sexist behaviour at the meeting was further amplified the next day when a Russian newspaper published a picture of Hadley alongside Putin, which clearly objectified her.
The incident took place at a panel during the Russian Energy Week that was held in Moscow. Hadley Gamble confronted Vladimir Putin on reports stating that Russia’s decision to withhold gas supplies to Europe is a tactic to drive up the fuel’s prices in the continent. In an apparent attempt to dodge the question, Putin responded extremely condescendingly to the situation, “Beautiful woman, pretty, I’m telling her one thing. She instantly tells me the opposite, as if she didn’t hear what I said,” he said, addressing the audience instead of Hadley.
Hadley, however, pushed back on this attempt to be sidelined from the conversation. Undeterred by the blatantly sexist implications of Putin’s remarks, she reasserted her stance and told the president that she had “heard” him fine but wanted to know what caused the delay in Russia’s response to the gas shortage in Europe. Putin was visibly annoyed at the persistent inquiry and responded, “You are being misled. We are increasing supplies to Europe. Gazprom by 10 percent. Russia has increased supplies by 15 percent. We are increasing, not decreasing supplies.”
“Did I really say something so hard to understand?” he went on to add.
The very next day, a Russian newspaper shared a picture of Hadley and Putin on stage, focusing on the former’s extended leg. Hadley shared the picture on her Instagram profile, light heartedly mocking the objectifying gaze of the photographer and the editorial decision to put it in print.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism condemns the incident and is appalled at the idea that the Russian president believes this is appropriate behaviour for any instance. The implication that women journalists are not politically educated because they’re too focused on their appearance is deeply sexist. It is an age-old attitude that has served as a roadblock for very capable journalists. Remarks like these from the leader of a country perpetuate a misogynistic culture in society at large, which is counterproductive for the national political culture.
