Australian radio host Marty Sheargold is in hot water after making some pretty shocking comments about the Matildas, Australia’s women’s national soccer team. And by shocking, we mean downright disgusting.
Sheargold, who’s a regular on Network 10’s Have You Been Paying Attention show, said that the team reminded him of “year 10 girls” and that women’s sport is just not his thing.
Yeah, because that’s exactly what we want to hear from a public figure – outdated and sexist views.
The Fallout
Sheargold’s comments sparked a huge backlash, with many calling for him to be sacked. And, well, that’s exactly what happened. But here’s the thing – his mate, Ben Fordham, is trying to defend him.
Fordham says that Sheargold is just a comedian who likes to push boundaries and that he doesn’t really mean what he says. Um, okay.
So, let’s get this straight – it’s okay to make misogynistic comments as long as you’re trying to be funny? We don’t think so.
A History of Offending
This isn’t the first time Sheargold has made headlines for all the wrong reasons. Just a day after his Matildas comments, he went on to say that endometriosis is “fake”.
Yes, you read that right. A medical condition that affects millions of women around the world is just a made-up thing, according to Sheargold.
He even compared his back injury to endometriosis, saying that women who suffer from the condition are just being drama queens. Wow, just wow.
The Prime Minister Weighs In
Even the Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, has spoken out against Sheargold’s comments. Albanese called them “shocking” and “completely unacceptable”.
He also pointed out that women’s sport has been a game-changer in Australia, with the Matildas being a great example of talented athletes who deserve our respect and admiration.
The Damage is Done
But the damage is already done. Sheargold’s comments have been widely condemned, and many are calling for him to be held accountable.
Olympic great Cate Campbell spoke out about the harm that his rhetoric can cause, saying that women have been fighting for generations to be seen as equals in sport. It’s time for us to stand up and say that enough is enough – we deserve better than to be belittled and ridiculed by people like Sheargold.