Jessica Rowe deletes Pauline Hanson podcast interview amid backlash

Pauline Hanson has responded to Jessica Rowe’s decision to delete an interview with the senator amid social media backlash.

Former Studio 10 co-host Jessica Rowe has sensationally backflipped and deleted her podcast interview with controversial politician Pauline Hanson amid social media backlash.

On Wednesday afternoon, Rowe, 51, shared a link to her candid sit-down with the One Nation leader and told fans, “This episode isn’t about politics, instead it’s about how Pauline has dealt with some of the darkest moments in her life.”

However, hours later the episode on her podcast The Jess Rowe Big Talk Show had been taken down after condemnation from critics including Australian of the Year Grace Tame.

Jessica Rowe deleted her interview with One Nation Senator Pauline Hanson on Wednesday amid backlas. Picture: Richard Dobson

Hanson appeared on Rowe’s podcast but the interview has since been taken down. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Peter Lorimer

“There has been much reaction and comment to my podcast conversation with Pauline Hanson today,” Rowe wrote in a statement on Twitter.

“Pauline’s political views are the opposite of mine. I have never agreed with her on those issues. Never will. Kindness is at the heart of who I am.

“Amongst the comments today I heard from some who I admire enormously including Nakkiah Lui and Grace Tame and I want to thank them especially for their candour. This will be the start of a bigger conversation for me and with those who this topic directly affects.

“I’ve asked LISTNR to remove the episode ASAP. Thank you everyone. Jess.”

Critics of the Pauline Hanson interview.

Critics of the Pauline Hanson interview.

Hanson, 67, who has a long history of being accused of xenophobia, recently made headlines for her anti-vaccination views on Covid-19, however this was not the focus of veteran journalist Rowe’s interview which also drew criticism.

The episode description read: “In this honest and reflective conversation, Pauline recalls the moment she was sent to prison, and the deep depression that followed. And like any good D&M, Pauline opens about her private 12-year relationship, and why having independence and giving each other freedom is their key to staying together.”

She included a link to Hanson’s One Nation website where people could “reach out” to the Senator.

On Thursday, Hanson released a statement saying “Twitter haters” had bombarded Rowe to the point she felt pressure to remove the podcast.

STATEMENT | Jessica Rowe Removes Pauline Hanson Podcast

Keyboard warriors may have had a win this round, but people can stay in touch with me by becoming a @OneNationAus supporter by clicking the link below -PH

Support https://t.co/M4CrOf6Me1

Read More https://t.co/r0DijyQjg6 pic.twitter.com/289tItxCD3

— Pauline Hanson 🇦🇺 (@PaulineHansonOz) September 29, 2021

“Cancel culture in this country is killing debate, freedom of speech, and shutting down conservative political representation,” the statement read.

“While I’m disappointed with Jess and her manager’s decision to remove the podcast, I also recognise how much pressure keyboard warriors can put on a person like Jessica who openly discussed with me in the interview how public opinion has impacted her mental wellbeing.”

Critics of the Pauline Hanson interview.

Support: Real Housewives of Sydney alum Krissy Marsh was disappointed that Rowe deleted her interview with Hanson.

Tame, 27, led criticism of the podcast interview on Twitter writing, “This is how discrimination and hate is subtly enabled and normalised. Everyone’s entitled to their own views, but not all views should be valorised by promoting their source. Pauline doesn’t need help to be heard, but those whose oppression she’s both driven and reinforced do.”

Indigenous playwright Nakkiah Lui also weighed in tweeting, “Jess, I have a lot of respect for you but this is not it. You’re platforming a racist. You’re celebrating someone who has made a career/$$$ from degrading, disrespecting and dehumanising many people. If you’re not interrogating them, you’re validating those racist opinions.”

However, Rowe’s supporters including former Real Housewives of Sydney personality, Krissy Marsh, expressed disappointment with her decision to remove the interview.

“I never heard it or listened to it but I now wish I had … Has coronavirus made everyone super PC? I know Jess you are super smart and an amazing wife , mother and journalist!!! When has the world stop [sic] wanting to hear other peoples [sic] opinions? Why do we all have to agree? Why have journalists if it is not to delve and deliver … If we only want our own opions [sic] then …”

Rowe abruptly quit Studio 10 three years ago to spend more time with family.

She is married to Channel 9 news presenter Peter Overton and the couple have two daughters Allegra, 13, and Giselle, 11.