Coates asked for help by Premier over opening ceremony

John Coates has added a new twist to the story about his “condescending” remarks to Annastacia Palaszczuk regarding the Tokyo Olympics Opening Ceremony.

Health Minister Yvette D’Ath today addressed claims that Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk privately asked Australian Olympic Committee President John Coates for a hand with public backlash over attending the Olympic opening ceremony.

The Australian’s Media Diary reported Coates wanted to set the record straight after he was accused of ‘mansplaining’ at a press conference last Wednesday.

But Ms D’Ath said she heard differently.

“It’s not what I have heard, the Premier has spoken about this, John Coates has spoken about this, they have all given their explanation in relation to that press conference,” Ms D’Ath said.

“I really don’t think there is anything else to add.”

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk with John Coates speak at a press conference at the MPC at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics after she successfully bid to hold the 2032 Olympics in Brisbane. Pics Adam Head

Ms Palaszczuk reportedly sent Mr Coates an apologetic text the next day, saying: “I’m sorry there was negative media on this. They always look for a problem when there is none.”

Coates tried to clear his name after the controversial press conference.

“She said to me: ‘Give me a hand, John, will you?’” Coates told The Australian.

“So I did. She’s my very good friend. I might have done it too crudely. But I thought if I did it crudely, I would be taking the hit for her.

“She needed help because she was being bashed up on the ceremony. So I helped her.”

Palaszczuk reportedly contacted Coates the next day and said, “I’m sorry there was negative media on this. They always look for a problem when there is none.”

The Premier has since returned to Queensland and is isolating in hotel quarantine for two weeks.