ABC Radio star Bob Murphy apologises to co-host Sharnelle Vella for ‘gross’ strip club comment

Melbourne radio host and former AFL star Bob Murphy has issued a public apology to his female co-host for a “gross” comment he made about her on-air.

Melbourne radio host and former AFL star Bob Murphy has issued a public apology to his female co-host for a “gross” comment he made about her on-air yesterday.

The ABC Radio personality apologised to Sharnelle Vella live this morning for insinuating that she worked at Melbourne strip club Spearmint Rhino when talking about her first job with a guest just 24 hours prior.

“I think it’d be pertinent from my point of view to start with some news that came out of this studio,” Murphy, a former Western Bulldogs captain, began in this morning’s broadcast.

“For those of you who listened to the show yesterday, or have woken up to a story in the newspaper that refers to an inappropriate comment I made yesterday, I think I need to address that publicly to apologise.”

Bob Murphy has apologised to co-host Sharnelle Vella for his “gross” comment.

Murphy insinuated on-air that Vella worked in a strip club when she was younger.

He continued, “I did make a comment that insinuated my colleague and co-host Sharnelle here worked at Spearmint Rhino, a well-known Melbourne strip club.

“Cutting straight to the point, it was not just a mistake, it was a gross and inaccurate offhand quip. I promised Sharnelle that I’d never disrespect her and I did break that promise. Put simply, I’m really sorry.”

Murphy has since apologised to his co-host, but it was met with an awkward reaction.

Although Vella acknowledged his apology and wanted to move on, she made it known that his comment was inexcusable.

“I won’t let you off the hook on it. It wasn’t OK,” she replied. “I appreciate your words but we do move on.”

His comment shocked listeners yesterday just before the 7.30am news was read on their show when the duo were interviewing Elinor Kasapidis from Certified Practising Accountants Australia for financial advice.

“I remember when I worked in retail many moons ago when I was still in high school …” Vella began to share when Murphy interjected, “Not at Spearmint Rhino, the other one.”

Spearmint Rhino is a notorious strip club with establishments across Australia, including Melbourne, as well as venues in the UK and US.

Murphy and Vella were named co-hosts of ABC radio breakfast in Melbourne in January.

Vella maintained her composure and professionalism in wake of the comment, simply replying “no” before she kept to the topic.

“I couldn’t afford to go to a financial advisor so I was doing my tax return myself,” she told their guest.

Murphy and Vella have had rocky start to the year since they were given the hosting gig at ABC Breakfast radio in Melbourne, replacing comedian Sammy J.

A recent radio survey shows that the duo’s breakfast show’s ratings dropped from 7.9 per cent audience share to 6.3 per cent in March, while taking another dive in May from 6.3 to 5.6.

Originally published as ABC Radio star Bob Murphy apologises to co-host Sharnelle Vella for ‘gross’ strip club comment