Gina Rinehart launches legal action against ABC for violent video

Gina Rinehart's Hancock Prospecting sent legal letters to the ABC's Chair Kim Williams, Deputy Chair Lisa Caffery and Managing Director Hugh Marks late on Thursday last week, News24 reports.

The letters “list a series of serious civil and criminal breaches” which it is claimed appeared in a violent video about Hancock in the ABC's Race Around The World, and the broadcaster's subsequent refusal to delete the clip from its platforms.

Hancock Prospecting demanded an apology from the ABC, describing the video as “nothing short of disgusting."

The "satirical" clip of mining magnate Rinehart being mocked and assaulted was made by content creator and reality contestant Kate McGuinness.

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.”

READ MORE: Creator apologises for 'satirical' Gina Rinehart video aired by ABC

READ MORE: ABC refers Gina Rinehart ‘satire’ video to Ombusman

Kate McGuinness/A still from clip about Gina Rinehart. Image: ABC/Instagram

Rinehart to sue ABC for violent video

Hancock Prospecting released a statement explaining the decision to take legal action, News24 reports.

"On 23 July 2026, Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd (Hancock) wrote to the ABC Board regarding the publication and continued publication of material concerning its Executive Chairman, Mrs Gina Rinehart AO.

"Hancock called upon the ABC to immediately remove the material from all ABC platforms, publicly apologise to Mrs Rinehart, and undertake a comprehensive investigation into how the material came to be commissioned, approved and published, together with full accountability for those responsible.

"One week has now elapsed. The ABC’s Board and senior management have provided no substantive public response, nor any substantive response to Hancock or Mrs Rinehart, and have taken no steps to remove the material from ABC platforms, despite widespread public condemnation and the serious risks its publication and continued publication pose to Mrs Rinehart.

“Hancock has now formally placed ABC Chair Kim Williams AM, Deputy Chair Lisa Caffery and Managing Director Hugh Marks on notice of detailed allegations of serious contraventions of multiple Australian criminal and civil laws arising from the ABC’s publication and continued publication of the material.”

Mark Butler says Gina Rinehart video is “revolting”

Federal Health Minister Mark Butler has now also criticised the ABC for its decision to air the “revolting” video of Rinehart.

“It’s pretty revolting and it’s not the sort of thing I think we should see on TV, whether it’s News24, a commercial television station or our public broadcaster, frankly,” Butler said.

“I understand the ombudsman within the ABC is investigating it and that’s appropriate at an independent public broadcaster, but why do we have to see rubbish like this on our TVs – regardless of who it’s about?”

Kate McGuinness apologises for Rinehart video

Finally, McGuinness issued an apology, which was published by the ABC late last week. 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.”