Expert slams Marty Sheargold after shocking endometriosis claim

A Brisbane-based doctor has taken aim at former radio host Marty Sheargold following an outrageous claim about women’s health.

Australian doctor and media commentator Brad Robinson took an acerbic swipe at Marty Sheargold after the ex-radio host’s shocking claim that endometriosis was “made up” on Tuesday.

“Sincere thank you to Marty Sheargold for helping me today sort my scheduling out,” the Brisbane-based doctor said.

“I stupidly – I don’t know what I was thinking – had a surgery booked for a patient for likely endometriosis, but of course, it can’t be, because endo is not real.

“So, look we’ve just cancelled and I have a free slot available now,” he said, before sarcastically adding: “Thanks, Dr Sheargold.”

Endometriosis is a chronic disease in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of it and causes severe pain, and in some cases, infertility.

Dr Brad Robinson is the Brisbane doctor who criticised Sheargold’s comments in two videos posted to social media. Picture: Instagram

Mr Robinson said the medical system has “let women down” for a long time regarding reproductive and menstrual health. Picture: Instagram

Some medications and procedures can help manage the disease, but there is no cure for endometriosis. It affects almost one million Australians and is scientifically recognised as a medical condition.

The disease “affects roughly 15 per cent of women, is grossly unrecognised, and has a 6.5 year gap between onset of symptoms and diagnosis,” Dr Robinson said in a follow-up video the next day.

He then went on to discuss his experiencing in treating a 32-year-old patient with the debilitating condition.

“So, yesterday I finally took to the theatre my patient and found the ‘disease that doesn’t exist’ and excised two fairly significant areas of disease,” he said.

Sheargold’s comments drew wide condemnation from experts and media. Picture: Supplied/Triple M

Mr Robinson said he was “perturbed” about the fact the 32-year-old had “no doubt” been suffering from the symptoms of the disease for “her entire reproductive life.”

“That is easily more than half her life, that the symptoms have not been addressed. Due to a range of factors including societal condition and medical inattention.

“The medical system has really let women down for such a long period of time over reproductive health and menstrual health.”

Endometriosis Australia said it was “deeply disappointed” in Sheargold’s comments in a statement on Thursday.

“Dismissing their suffering as ‘made up’ only reinforces the stigma we are working so hard to end and the misinformation contributes to the challenges women face,” chair of Endometriosis Australia Monica Forlano said.

Sheargold’s history of controversial on-air comments came to light after a bizarre rant about the Matildas soccer team during a Triple M radio broadcast on Monday.

During a segment discussing the Matildas’ SheBelieves Cup campaign, Sheargold said the national woman’s football team reminded him of “year 10 girls.”

“All the infighting and all the friendship issues, ‘The coach hates me and I hate bloody training and Michelle’s being a bitch.’

“Now, I’m sorry to undermine the whole sport, but that’s what I think of it so you can stick it up your arse.”

Both the radio host and network issued public apologies, with Sheargold let go from the studio.
“Triple M and Marty Sheargold have mutually agreed to part ways,” Southern Cross Austereo’s Chief Content Officer Dave Cameron said.

“Southern Cross Austereo takes its responsibility to listeners, shareholders, and clients seriously and its programming should align with the standards and expectations of its audience ... Triple M acknowledges Marty’s contribution over the past four years, and we wish him well for the future.”

Sheargold added; “I fully understand the gravity of my comments”.

“I’d like to sincerely apologise to the Matildas and the broader organisation. I would also like to thank my immediate team for their hard work and apologise for the situation they now find themselves in,” he said.

Originally published as Expert slams Marty Sheargold after shocking endometriosis claim