ABC Chairman Kim Williams denies friendship with comedian Austen Tayshus after offensive messages sent to ex-ABC host

ABC Chairman Kim Williams has rejected any friendship with comedian Austen Tayshus, after the entertainer referenced him in a series of texts sent to former ABC radio host Josh Szeps.

Comedian Austen Tayshus.

ABC Chairman Kim Williams has distanced himself from comedian Austen Tayshus after it was revealed the entertainer sent a series of controversial messages to former ABC radio host Josh Szeps, including one in which he name-dropped Williams while telling the journalist to “shut up.”

The messages, revealed by 2GB’s Ben Fordham on Friday morning, were sent to Szeps in response to a column he wrote for The Sydney Morning Herald about the war in Gaza.

In the opinion piece, Szeps, who is Jewish, condemned anti-Semitism while also questioning the actions of the Israeli government.

In one message, Tayshus, whose real name is Sandy Gutman, wrote:

“I know you need attention, and you made several reasonable points, but what does it achieve to slam Israel right now … the thing is, you need to shut up.”

He signed off the message as: “Austen Tayshus, difficult conversationalist and mate of Kim Williams.”

The messages between Gutman and Szeps. Picture: 2GB

Szeps, who does not personally know Gutman, responded politely, writing that he prioritised “principles over tribe” and hoped the comedian wouldn’t be proud of telling someone to be silent.

Gutman replied again: “Not the point. You are half a Jew … Just shut up. Keep these opinions to yourself.”

Fordham said the messages were inappropriate, particularly given the use of the ABC Chairman’s name in an apparent attempt to apply pressure.

Kim Williams distanced himself from Austen Tayshus. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman

“If this was just Austen Tayshus abusing people and claiming to be mates with Kim Williams, it could be easily ignored. But that’s not the case,” Fordham told listeners.

Earlier this year, ABC’s Media Watch reported that Gutman had used his association with Mr Williams to secure airtime on ABC radio to promote a tour, with Media Watch host Linton Besser describing the chairman’s involvement as a “grave lapse of judgment.”

In response to the latest revelations, Fordham said Mr Williams personally contacted him to deny any friendship with Gutman.

“Sandy Gutman is not and has never been a friend of mine,” Williams said, according to Fordham.

“I find the comment disgraceful.”

Fordham added that Williams told him over the phone he was “absolutely disgusted” by the message.

Josh Szeps has since spoken to the Daily Telegraph, praising the ABC Chairman while declining to engage further on Gutman’s remarks.

“I feel for Kim Williams, who’s doing a great job. The ABC is lucky to have him,” Szeps said.

“On Mr Gutman I have no comment.”

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Originally published as ABC Chairman Kim Williams denies friendship with comedian Austen Tayshus after offensive messages sent to ex-ABC host