2GB feud: Smith calls off lawyers over Hadley spat

Chris Smith has hit mute on his ongoing spat with 2GB talkback stablemate and rival Ray Hadley, backing away from threat to call in the lawyers. Here is the latest.

Chris Smith has backed down on calling lawyers over his ongoing feud with station rival Ray Hadley.

It is understood the decision to cancel legal action came after discussions between Smith and senior management at talkback station, 2GB.

Filling in for Ben Fordham on 2GBs breakfast timeslot last week, Smith was criticised by mornings host Hadley who accused him of playing down the severity of a Covid outbreak on cruise ship, Coral Princess, that was docking in Sydney.

On Saturday morning, during his usual weekend show, Smith hit back at Hadley.

“I hold my head up high on this subject and won’t be intimidated, bullied or scared into acquiescence ever,” Smith told listeners.

“Those who have elected to go down a twisted path and get personal to hurt me have terrible glass jaws.”

Ray Hadley in his home studio in Dural. Picture: Jonathan Ng

2GB radio host Chris Smith. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Smith did not mention Hadley by name but there was no doubt as to who was the target of his comments.

“I have absolutely no link to cruise companies, why would I ever go into bat for cruise companies for the sake of it,” Smith said.

P & O Pacific Explorer cruise ship arrives into Sydney with over 100 crew and passengers reported with Covid-19. Picture: NCA Newswire / Gaye Gerard

“Anyone who suggests I have, and who peddles that suspicion, had better be prepared to defend themselves in court, I know I can.

“I have actually engaged two media defence lawyers and will work on that very closely on Monday.”

He added: “I will not be bullied, even by lifetime bullies. I love a good rumble and I look forward to further disagreements and I look forward to standing up for myself each and every single time.”

It is believed Smith discussed the situation with management on Sunday, at which time the issues were resolved and the decision was made not to pursue legal action.

On Wednesday, Smith told listeners to “put (the outbreak) in perspective”.

Chris Smith refused to budge on his comments about the Coral Princess.

He said the spread of Covid was “always going” to happen on cruises and that NSW had improved since the outbreak of sister ship Ruby Princess in 2020.

Hadley subsequently delivered a seething attack on Smith and labelled his comments about the issue as “foolish”.

“One of my colleagues this morning was saying nothing to see here — it’s all wonderful,” he said. “I’m sorry — but the sort of nonsense I heard on the network this morning is just foolish. I’m almost embarrassed I’m on the same broadcast network as that bloke. But anyway, that’s another story I’ll deal with privately.”

Hadley said he was not being “alarmist”.

Ray Hadley said he was “being factual” in his coverage of the Covid-stricken cruise.

“It’s not being alarmist, it’s being factual. The cases from yesterday are up by 3600,” he retorted on air.

“We have a problem and it is a problem we need to deal with. People must listen to medical advice, not someone else’s advice. We’re not panicking, we’re not alarmist. We’re simply telling you that cases are going up.”

Despite a little late hiccup on Thursday, Smith doubled down on Saturday while clarifying his relationship with the cruise industry.

“Anything I can do to help cruising, I will do but let’s get one thing very, very clear, do not listen to anyone in this place who tries to imply that I have any official affiliation with a cruise line which impacts my opinion,” he said.

Chris Smith said his opinions were his own. Picture: Monique Harmer

“It is garbage. It is muck raking. I do not have any connections, none whatsoever, why the hell would I? It is just a nasty thing to suggest.

“I read commercials for cruise companies from time-to-time without payment because that is my job. I read commercials for the airport and the transport department too but that never stops me bagging both when the circumstances warrant it.

“When a cruise company wants to advertise on this show, I am happy to put bums on board as I do with scores of clients, airlines, resorts, you name it, it is not a paid role. I take no financial advantage from it at all, none, it doesn’t work that way.”

Smith stated he had worked with travel company, Travel Write, taking “almost 200 listeners on trips through the northern hemisphere, experiences which I have valued”.

“They got me on board twice,” he said.

“Some of you have been with me, it is actually hard work doing presentations, guiding people through day long excursions and sharing meals with basic strangers. It is work, which is fine. I learn a lot, I enjoy the banter.

“And for that, Travel Write has done advertising deals with the station, no payment for the work, they just cover the fare, not all of it.”