Grace Tame has revealed that her speaking appointments have almost vanished in the wake of her shouting “globalise the intifada” at a pro-Palestine rally last month.
Tame revealed during a speech this week at the No to Violence conference in Hobart that she had no more speaking engagements for the entire year.
“This is my last presentation of the year and it’s only March,” the 2021 Australian of the Year said.
She began her speech by saying she does not support violence or antisemitism, adding that she does not support Islamophobia or hatred of any kind – despite what she feels has been presented by the media recently.
Tame said she was “up against a well-oiled political machine.”
The professional speaker, who is paid for some of her appearances, attributes an “ongoing media smear campaign” to the cancellation of three of her engagements last week.
In a post on Instagram about it, Tame said she had “lost three speaking engagements on the theme of child safety due to an ongoing media smear campaign”.
Grace Tame speaks at a rally protesting the visit of Isaac Herzog in February. Image: Instagram
Calls for Grace Tame to be ‘cancelled’
Tame has been condemned by members of the Jewish community due to her appearance at a rally protesting Israel President Isaac Herzog’s visit to Australia in February, where she led chants to “Globalise the Intifada.”
The ABC reports: “The word ‘intifada’ means ‘shaking off’ in Arabic and has been used to refer to two periods of violent Palestinian protest against Israel.
“The phrase has different associations and meanings for different groups.”
After her attendance at the rally, Tame faced calls to be stripped of her Australian of the Year award, with more than 25,000 Australians signing a petition demanding action.
The petition called for authorities to charge Tame with “[alleged] criminal incitement to violence under existing Australian law.”
“We do not need new ‘hate speech’ laws, if the threshold for incitement has been crossed, current laws are sufficient,” the petition stated.
“In 2021, Grace Tame was named Australian of the Year, an honour reserved for individuals who reflect the values, unity and integrity of our nation.
“That title carries moral weight. It is not just recognition for past advocacy, it represents an ongoing association with Australian ideals.”
In early March, Tame’s appearance at an International Women’s Day event in Bendigo, Victoria, came under fire from the Australian Jewish Association.
The group had lobbied for organisers to drop her appearance, however organisers Be.Bendigo refused, saying it was “committed to hosting respectful, constructive conversations.”
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In 2025, sports brand Nike officially cut ties with Tame over pro-Palestinian posts on social media, where she shared several posts in solidarity with Palestinians during the conflict with Israel.
“Grace and Nike have mutually agreed to part ways,” a Nike spokesman said. “We wish Grace the best as she continues her running journey.”
Top image: Grace Tame. Image: Instagram