Sam Newman reveals death threats over George Floyd comments
Sam Newman says he’s copped vile comments about family members being raped as well as death threats in the wake of his controversial remarks about George Floyd.
Confidential
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Sam Newman says he’s copped death threats and vile comments about family members being raped after his controversial remarks about George Floyd.
Newman resigned from a 30-year tenure at Channel 9 last week after describing Floyd as a “piece of shit” on his You Can’t Be Serious podcast.
Floyd was killed when a Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for more than eight minutes, sparking protests around the world.
On his podcast today, co-host Mike Sheahan asked if Newman made provocative remarks because he craves attention.
“Do I crave people speaking about me?” Newman replied.
“Do you think at this stage of my life, having been on the television for over 30 years, do you think I want to put myself through the things that have been said about me … that they hope I die, hope I’m murdered, hope I’m shot, hope my grandchildren get raped by felons?
“Do you think I want to put myself through that for the sake of saying a very accurate statement about a man who shouldn’t have been killed, but is a very ordinary person?
“I say things that are controversial because we’re trying to make (the podcast) a success,” Newman said.
“I’ve done it on the television because I tried to make that a success. You know who I am away from this.”
Newman said his exit from Channel 9 “affects me not one iota”, adding: “I don’t need to be on television.”
Sheahan then asked if Newman is still being paid by Channel 9.
“That is a matter between Channel 9 and I,” Newman answered.
“If Channel 9 wants to say on what basis I have ceased to appear, that’s up to them. I don’t think I should speak on their behalf.”
Sheahan: “So still getting paid?”
Newman: “You’re no better than the people who takes things out of context and try and be controversial and salacious. I’m not answering the question. I’m not taking it on to speak for them.”
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