Embattled Carlton president Luke Sayers finally addresses ‘shocking incident’

More than a week after the lewd photo scandal broke, the Carlton president and the club has finally responded to the “shocking incident”.

Luke Sayers and the Carlton Football Club have finally responded to the lewd photo scandal that engulfed the president earlier this month.

A photo of a man’s genitals was publicly tweeted from Sayers’ X account on Wednesday, January 8, along with the name of a senior female executive of health insurer Bupa, an official member partner of the Blues.

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Apart from a brief follow-up tweet stating he had been hacked, Sayers, the Blues and the AFL hadn’t commented on the situation or confirmed if an investigation had been launched.

Pressure was building on Sayers over his ongoing presidency of the AFL powerhouse while he remained in Italy with his family.

But it appears widespread media speculation over the incident and his future has finally prompted parties involved to respond, more than a week after the image was published.

Luke Sayers and the Blues have finally addressed the scandal. (AAP Image/Lukas Coch)

A spokesperson for Sayers released a brief statement on Friday declaring he and Carlton had been conversing with the AFL’s Integrity Unit over the “shocking incident”.

“Mr Sayers did not post an image to his X account on 8 January 2025,” the statement reads.

“When he was alerted that his social media had been hacked, he immediately disabled all of his accounts and engaged legal counsel.

“Mr Sayers acknowledges the distress of everyone impacted by this shocking incident.

“Mr Sayers and the club have been engaging with the AFL Integrity Unit and he will continue to deal with this issue without further public comment.”

Sayers, who was in Italy with his family when the scandal broke, had since gone underground and refused to take calls from colleagues in Australia.

A social media expert stated it was highly unusual Sayers would still have access to his social media account after the apparent hacking, suggesting it could have been performed by someone who had access to his password.

Luke Sayers with his wife Cate. Picture: Matt Loxton

The AFL belatedly confirmed it had been investigating the incident, stating Carlton had informed the league of the social media post and “enquiries remain ongoing”.

The Blues also released a statement on Friday confirming the details of the investigation and calling for patience.

“In relation to the matter involving president Luke Sayers’ social media account, the club continues to cooperate and liaise with the AFL Integrity Unit,” it read.

“The club notified the league last week and reached out to those involved, including individuals and corporate partners to provide care and support.

“Given the sensitive nature of this issue, the club acknowledges the effect and impact this has on individuals and will provide ongoing support to those involved.

Sayers with his predecessor as Carlton president, Mark LoGiudice. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Kane Cornes has weighed into the scandal. Photo: Channel 7

“We will continue to cooperate with the AFL Integrity Unit and appreciate the patience required to work through this matter, an updated will be provided by the club when in a position to do so.”

On Thursday, former All-Australian Kane Cornes said on SEN radio he felt if Sayers had been hacked as alleged, he should return to Australia and assist an investigation.

“The thing that’s surprised me with Luke, if he is adamant, which he is, that he was hacked, get up there and have a press conference,” the Port Adelaide premiership winner said.

“Face the music. I think he’s lacked courage in this.

“If he’s certain he’s been hacked, he should leave no stone unturned to get to the bottom of this.

“Fly home. It’s that important. You’re the leader of this football club, fly home, have a press conference, get the police involved and get to the bottom of this.”

Originally published as Embattled Carlton president Luke Sayers finally addresses ‘shocking incident’