Creator apologises for 'satirical' Gina Rinehart video aired by ABC

Gina Rinehart has got what she deserved - an apology.

The ABC aired a ‘satirical’ clip of mining magnate Rinehart being mocked and assaulted, made by content creator and reality contestant Kate McGuinness, in a Race Around the World episode last Sunday.

This week, Rinehart's company Hancock Prospecting demanded an apology from the broadcaster, describing the video as “nothing short of disgusting."

The ABC initially defended airing the clip, but days later, buckled to public pressure, and referred the matter to its internal Ombudsman. Communications Minister Anika Wells agreed the content was “unacceptable.”

Now, McGuinness has issued an apology, which has been published by the ABC. The statement on the ABC's website says:

"Race Around The World contestant Kate McGuinness has asked the ABC to share the following statement on her behalf which the ABC supports:

'The sense of humour featured in each of my films on the Race Around The World program is farcical. In no way was it my intention to promote violence. My writing is cartoonish and always satirical.

‘Unfortunately, jokes do not land with everyone. Its purpose was never to be taken literally. I apologise to anyone I’ve offended.’ 

“The ABC Ombudsman is independently reviewing audience complaints in relation to the 12 July Race Around the World episode in accordance with the ABC’s complaints handling process.  The ABC won’t be commenting further while the review is in progress.”

READ MORE: ABC defends airing of violent video depicting Gina Rinehart fantasy

READ MORE: ABC refers Gina Rinehart 'satire' video to Ombudsman
 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Mate McGuinness (@batekush666)

Violent clip about Gina Rinehart

The wording in the clip as well as the depiction of violence is at issue.

McGuinness says in the video, "Because when the revolution comes will you hide under the bed or will you know exactly how to shove a stick right up Gina Rinehart’s butthole, stirring it round, mixing her guts up nice and smooth, to make one big sausage roll to make something out of nothing.”

The ABC told Mediaweek before the matter was referred to the Ombudsman.

"Race Around the World features films created by amateur filmmakers, whose contributions reflect their own viewpoints and creative treatments. While contributors are not ABC journalists, all content broadcast by the ABC is subject to the ABC's editorial standards, policies, and review processes.

"In this case, the film was intended to be satirical in tone and considered to be editorially justifiable within the context of the program. We recognise that audiences may respond differently to creative content and hold a range of views about how it is presented.

“One of the judges critiqued the film during their assessment, and that feedback was included in the program.” 

Gina Rinehart/A still from Kate McGuinness's clip. Image: Instagram