‘I feel sorry for him’: Top Aussie model and actor on Marty Sheargold endo controversy

Top Australian model and actor Abbey Lee admits she “burst into tears” over comedian Marty Sheargold’s controversial remarks about endometriosis.

Top Australian model and actor Abbey Lee felt “many things” when she heard disgraced comedian Marty Sheargold’s controversial comments about endometriosis.

“I was really angry, I also burst into tears, I had a rant and then at some point I realised that actually what I was feeling the most was really sad for him,” Lee told Confidential.

“I am not sure what is missing in his life, why he was unable to see the light and know the truth, but I feel really sorry for him. And I hope that he can find someone and he can find the patience in himself to learn differently.”

Top Australian model and actor Abbey Lee “feels sorry” for Marty Sheargold.

Sheargold lost his job on Triple M radio after making the comments.

On air, the star of ABC TV comedy Fisk said: “God, don’t ladies carry on. Jesus Christ, there is no end of it. Honestly, endometriosis, and this is controversial. No, I’m going to say it, it’s controversial. It’s made up.”

Sheargold also made derogatory remarks about the Matilda’s and women’s sport in general.

Around one million Australians, or one-in-seven women, including Lee, suffer from endometriosis, a chronic and painful illness.

“Today I stand here with no anger towards him (Sheargold), I just hope that he can change his way of thinking,” Lee said.

The 37-year-old hosted brunch at The International in the CBD on Friday, inviting prominent men and media to be part of the conversation around endometriosis.

The event was titled, Men for Endo.

“We put that stigma on it – there is this ickiness about women’s issues that we need to change because it is not icky, it is just a body,” she said.

“All bodies are a bit icky anyway, and I think if we can just normalise the conversation and get men involved, we can break the stigma.”

Lee continued: “I am incredibly passionate about it. I’ve been to so many events since my diagnosis two-and-a-half years ago and every time I go, everyone knows what endo is, or has endo, it is always 80 per cent women. I just feel like, if we really want to reach the people who don’t know about it and the people who are going to help support us, then we have to invite men and make them feel welcome, make them feel included.”

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