Sonia Kruger ‘blindsided’ after being dropped from Mamamia podcast
Sonia Kruger feels “completely thrown under the bus”, insiders say, after a podcast episode she featured in was dropped over comments she made about Muslim immigration in 2016.
Confidential
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Days after Sonia Kruger was axed from a popular podcast, insiders say the TV presenter feels “completely thrown under the bus”.
Last week, women’s empowerment website Mamamia abruptly dropped Kruger from its You Beauty podcast over comments she made about Muslims back in 2016 and sources claim the move was “disingenuous” and an attempt to “save face”.
“They knew about her comments years ago but still pursued her anyway just a few months ago,” an insider told Confidential. “Now they suddenly decide to drop her, it makes no sense.” Confidential has contacted Mamamia and Channel 7 for comment.
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The decision to cut ties with the Big Brother host comes amid global protests about racial injustice and inequality.
Last year, the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal ruled former Today Extra co-host Kruger vilified Muslims and “encouraged hatred towards, or serious contempt for, Australian Muslims” when she called for a blanket ban on Muslim immigration to Australia.
However, the Tribunal decided the broadcast did not amount to racial vilification because the evidence did not support a finding that Muslims living in Australia were a ‘race’.
Branding expert Nicole Reaneyof Inside Out PR said public pressure may have triggered Mamamia’s decision to disassociate with Kruger.
“Organisations will face pressures from consumer groups at any time and unfortunately Google has a great memory,” Reaney said.
“This means any historical events can resurface at any time and outlets will bow down and react as a means to protect its brand image.
“In this instance, it’s likely Mamamia reflected on the growing vocal movement and chose to steer clear of content that would give rise to controversy towards its brand.”