Independent Bradfield candidate Nicolette Boele apologises after being banned from local hairdresser over inappropriate sexual joke at young staff

A Sydney teals candidate for the Bradfield seat has apologised after comments she made to a teen hairdresser surfaced on 2GB this morning.

Independent candidate for Bradfield Nicolette Boele has apologised after being banned from her local hairdresser over an inappropriate sexual comment made to a young staff member.

The teals candidate was barred from her local hairdresser after allegedly telling a 19-year-old worker, “that was amazing, and I didn’t even have sex with you”, 2GB reported on Tuesday morning.

Ben Fordham said on program: “They sent her a legal letter last week as the owner wants to protect the young, vulnerable staff.”

“The comments were made after her hair was washed and they were directed at a 19-year-old girl.

“She allegedly said that was amazing and I didn’t even have sex with you.”

In a statement to the program, Ms Boele claimed the joke was a “poor attempt at humour” and acknowledged her mistake.

“Everyone deserves to feel respected in their workplace, and I will do better,” she said.

According to her website, Ms Boele is a finance and clean energy executive who grew up in the electorate.

It’s the second time running for the seat of Bradfield having come within just a few thousand votes of Liberal Bradfield MP Paul Fletcher who announced in December that he would not be running in the upcoming election on May 3. It saw Mr Fletcher hit with a 15 per cent swing against him.

Ms Boele will now be up against Liberal candidate and tech executive Gisele Kapterian who was poised to run for the seat of North Sydney before it was abolished.

The current Teal independents were elected into parliament in 2022 on a platform of climate change, integrity and support for women, however, those elected have been warned they have a “fight on their hands” as they seek to retain their seats.

Allegra Spender, Kylea Tink, Zoe Daniel, Sophie Scamps, Monique Ryan and Kate Chaney will be tested in May to see whether their 2022 success will continue along with candidates like Ms Boele.

Originally published as Independent Bradfield candidate Nicolette Boele apologises after being banned from local hairdresser over inappropriate sexual joke at young staff