Advertiser dumps Kyle and Jackie O in the wake of Virgin Mary comments
Kyle Sandilands is feeling the heat in the wake of his controversial Virgin Mary comments, with at least one advertiser pulling its money from the Kyle and Jackie O breakfast show and others contemplating their next move.
Confidential
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- Sandilands to return home from LA
- Protests continue at KIIS FM
- Kyle slammed over ‘disgusting’ Virgin Mary video
A leading advertiser has pulled its ads from the Kyle and Jackie O radio show in the backlash over Kyle Sandilands’ comments about the Virgin Mary.
Despite the KIIS FM host’s grovelling eight-minute apology on Monday, Confidential has learned Speckle, a not-for-profit small lender, has pulled all advertising from the show.
At least one other advertiser is reviewing its position.
“We are strong advocates for the respect and empowerment of women and their families, and do not condone any comments that are detrimental to this,” a rep for Speckle told Confidential.
“We found the comments made by Kyle Sandilands to be inconsistent with our values, the work we lead and the customers we represent.
“As a result we will no longer be advertising on the Kyle and Jackie O Show.”
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Another advertiser, A2 Milk, is reviewing its ongoing affiliation with KIIS’s parent company Australian Radio Network after Sandilands claimed Mary was not a virgin.
“We are considering our position,” an A2 rep said.
“We welcome the public apology by Kyle Sandilands. We will continue to review our advertising position.”
Sandilands upset Christians and Muslims on September 19, but many big-name brands including eBay and Weight Watchers continue to run ads on the show.
A third advertiser said he was so offended by Sandilands’ comments he also considered pulling advertising.
“I took offence, I’m Muslim … it was very disrespectful. At the end of the day, he quickly apologised so that was a relief,” he said.
Confidential is yet to receive a response from other advertisers, including Booking.com, Budget Direct, Church & Dwight (First Response).
One industry source said some ads were still running despite Sandilands’ controversy by default, not because companies supported what he said.
“You can buy advertising packages in bulk, which means ads are automatically scheduled to run for a specific period,” the insider said.
An ARN spokesperson said any advertiser concerns had been addressed.
“As always, we continue to work with all our advertisers to ensure that they have the best possible commercial and creative outcomes for their brands and business,” ARN said.
“If ever there are questions raised by our advertisers, we address them immediately. The recent issue was managed in the best possible way, in that, when this content ran we immediately recognised that it wasn’t appropriate for distribution and it was removed immediately. And as both Kyle and ARN said as soon as it was brought to light and have been reiterating since, we unreservedly apologise for any offence that may have been caused.
“The Christian and Muslim leaders have also since released a joint statement accepting Kyle’s apology and extending a hand of friendship.”
Sandilands’ original comments prompted protesters to gather outside KIIS FM’s North Ryde studios demanding his sacking.
“I thought Mary was his (Jesus Christ’s) girlfriend but apparently it was the mother. And the mother lied obviously and told everyone, ‘Nah I got pregnant by a magical ghost’. Bulls***,” Sandilands said on September 19. “Someone chock-a-blocked her behind the camel shed … You might believe everything that’s written down 2000 years ago to be absolutely accurate and good on you, you’re dumb. Dumb as dog s***.”
He was quickly bombarded with complaints and death threats and the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has received more than 150 complaints.
“The ACMA has received over 150 complaints regarding the comments made by Mr Sandilands about the Virgin Mary. Under the co-regulatory system, the ACMA will refer complainants to the broadcaster in the first instance,” a spokesperson said.
During his apology this week, Sandilands said he regretted his comments.
“Am I going to quit? No. Am I going to get fired? No. Am I sorry? Absolutely I’m sorry,” he said.
It comes after 2GB host Alan Jones lost several advertisers last month when he criticised New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on his radio show after she made statements on Australia’s climate change policies.
Sandilands is set to return to Australia this week, after being holed up in Los Angeles amid ongoing backlash.
Last year, Cricket Australia withdrew its sponsorship from ARN over a stunt by the Kyle and Jackie O show during cricketer Steve Smith’s public apology for ball tampering.