Sam Newman’s sexist jibes towards Rebecca Maddern harassment, domestic violence advocate says

SAM Newman’s sexist on-air jibes to Footy Show co-host Rebecca Maddern are workplace harassment, bordering on “unlawful”, Victoria’s top domestic violence advocate says.

SAM Newman’s sexist on-air jibes to Footy Show co-host Rebecca Maddern are workplace harassment, bordering on “unlawful”, Victoria’s top domestic violence advocate says.

But Newman has told the Herald Sun he sees no problem in his remarks, including telling Maddern to “come get on your knees” or “lie nude” on the panel.

A defiant Newman said that even if people regarded it as sexist, it would have “no effect” on what he said in the future.

Sam Newman is under fire for his on-air sexist jibes towards co-host Rebecca Maddern. Picture: Jason Edwards

Domestic Violence Victoria chief executive Fiona McCormack said Newman’s comments must be taken seriously.

“This actually constitutes workplace harassment and could even be unlawful,” she said.

“Some men kid themselves that women want the attention and will be flattered but so many women are put in these awkward situations at work and worry that if they speak up, there’ll be a backlash.”

Despite being the target of more than a dozen jibes, Maddern said “Sam will always be Sam”.

“Some people may judge his comments as sexist, I don’t particularly,” she said.

“If he says something that may be in wrong town a little bit I just don’t give it any oxygen and move on with the rest of the show. We are there to talk about footy.”

Newman has directed several jibes and suggestive comments at the former news anchor throughout the latest season of the long-running Channel 9 show.

In June, the former Geelong champion told Maddern he “detected her dress was see- through”.

Sam Newman, Rebecca Maddern and Billy Brownless at The Block launch. Picture: Julie Kiriacoudis

Discussing being approached to run for Melbourne lord mayor in June, Newman smirked at the camera, repeatedly telling his co-host she could be “under him”.

Newman and Maddern have a good working relationship on and off the set, but Ms McCormack said Nine needed to ensure a respectful and equal workplace.

“Why aren’t they calling this out? Where are the producers?” she said.

“If we’re really serious about stopping violence against women in Australia, we need to challenge the culture that allows it to flourish.”

Newman said he treated all people equally and didn’t see anything wrong with his attitude on the show.

“I don’t care what they make of it, it makes no influence in what I say at all, because I know that in the context of what I say, it’s about intent, so that’s no problem to me at all,” he said.

Maddern said she never went on the show to “change Sam Newman”.

“If that is what I wanted to do, I never would have accepted the job. People love him on the show and he has been part of The Footy Show since its inception,” she said.

“It is live, it is totally unscripted. If there was an absolute moment on the show that I felt like I needed to say something I absolutely would address it then and there.”

Nine historically has defended the blokey show as being off-the-cuff and conversational.

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