Nine Entertainment Demands Apology from Bob Katter over Aggressive Behaviour towards Reporter
In a tense exchange at a Brisbane press conference, Australian independent MP Bob Katter threatened to punch Nine reporter Josh Bavas, calling him a “racist” after the journalist asked about Katter’s Lebanese heritage in relation to his support for anti-immigration protests.
Katter, 80, took offence to Bavas’ question, shouting, “Don’t say that, because you’re a racist.
You’re a racist.
You cannot say what you just said without being identified as a racist.”
He also claimed that his family had been in Australia for 140 years and that he had previously punched people who made similar comments.
Media Company Considers Legal Action
Nine Entertainment is now considering taking defamation action against Katter, with sources indicating that executives are discussing the matter.
The company has demanded a public apology from Katter, stating that his behaviour was “unacceptable” and “irresponsible.”
In a statement, Nine’s executive director of news and current affairs, Fiona Dear, said, “Mr Katter’s aggressive behaviour and threats were unacceptable.
His baseless and offensive accusation of racism is an irresponsible attempt to shut down a legitimate line of questioning and warrants a public apology from Mr Katter.”
Journalist Defends Questioning
Bavas, who has covered Katter for over 15 years, expressed surprise at the outburst, saying he had never experienced such a reaction from an elected representative.
He stated that his question was benign, aiming to ask about the value migrant Australian families, including the Katters and his own family, bring to the nation through shared values.
Political Reactions and Condemnation
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese criticised Katter’s behaviour, saying, “Bob Katter needs to have a look at that footage.
Have a look at himself, frankly, and recognise that that’s just not what we expect of any Australian, let alone someone who’s in public office.”
Coalition Senator Jane Hume also condemned Katter’s actions, stating that threatening violence was “entirely unacceptable” and that there must be consequences.
Katter’s grandfather, Carlyle Assad Khittar, migrated from Lebanon in 1898.
This is not the first time Katter has become angry when asked about his ancestry in the context of his anti-immigration views.