Sam Dastyari: Former Labor senator slammed for “homophobic” Facebook posts

Fresh from being booted from the jungle camp, Sam Dastyari has walked into a social media meltdown over a series of Facebook posts made in his name while he appeared on I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here.

Sam Dastyari has been slammed for making “homophobic” Facebook posts during his two-week stint on I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here.

Dastyari left his social media accounts in the hands of a friend while he was on Network 10’s reality TV show, who rallied support for the former Labor senator in order to save him from elimination.

But followers were outraged at a series of posts designed to garner votes for the political contestant, labelling them low blows that trivialised homosexuality.

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Sam Dastyari had left his social media accounts in the hands of a proxy while on I’m A Celebrity. Picture: AAP/Joel Carrett

On January 20, a post on Dastyari’s Facebook page called for viewers to vote for him along with an image almost completely covered by two smiling emojis.

“#EXCLUSIVE #BREAKING #LEAKED A PHOTO OF SAM KISSING A MAN HAS SURFACED!!! As Sam has no control over his socials. Here’s the deal. If he survives the first eviction I will post it,” the proxy wrote, including the number followers could text to keep him on the show.

The post drew immediate condemnation from fans.

The original Facebook post which sparked outrage... Picture: Facebook

“Sorry Sam your cred is shot I’m in deleting your sorry a**,” one wrote.

Another questioned: “Is it necessary to be homophobic?”

Another follower said: “This post is not a bit of fun for those of us in same-sex relationships that still feel uncomfortable displaying affection in public due to decades of bigotry and posts that make a mockery of us for cheap votes.”

Dastyari’s social media proxy - whose identity has not been revealed - replied to one follower that it was “just a bit fun. Ya know for Lols and stuff,” which led to someone questioning whether Dastyari had left “his socials in the hands of a ten year old?”.

Just hours before he was booted off the show last night, the proxy shared the uncensored image of Dastyari giving former Aussie rugby star Beau Ryan a peck on the lips.

Facebook users were equally unimpressed the second time around.

... and the follow-up, where Dastyari is shown kissing former rugby star Beau Ryan. Picture: Supplied

“Can’t believe you proceeded to post this after the legitimate condemnation on the earlier post. This sort of baiting isn’t funny for those who have been and still are subjected to bigotry and abuse for genuine displays of affection in public,” one wrote.

“A whole 26 likes in exchange for causing a lot of pain, disgust and confusion,” commented another.

“Yo dude how about maybe instead saying ‘It’s just a joke’ recognise that this is homophobic and makes lgbt ppls Iives seem like a joke? Maybe stop being a s*** head,” said another angry fan.

While some followers said insensitive content would be uncharacteristic of Dastyari, he failed to address their outrage when regained control of his social media accounts.

He told News Corp Australia he didn’t condone homophobia, and explained the photo was taken at a Kiss FM party - the radio station both he and Ryan work for.

“Hilarious that in 2019 kissing a bloke still generates so much controversy,” he told News Corp.

“The most shocking thing in the photo is that despite similar ages, Beau looks 20 years younger.

“Anyone thinking there was anything homophobic should just have a look at my record on equality when I was in parliament.”

Dastyari had a heated discussion with Jacquie Lambie on his final episode of I’m A Celebrity. Picture: Channel 10

Dastyari was the second contestant to be eliminated from the show, filmed in a South African national park.

His last episode was marked by fiery discussion with fellow ex-pollie Jacqui Lambie about Australia Day.

After Lambie complained she was sick of “bending over for minorities”, Dastyari hit back during a to-camera confessional.

“This idea that somehow minorities are getting it easy, and this country’s being run for minorities, is just so inconceivably wrong that I personally can’t let it stand,” he said.