Guy Sebastian’s tense on-air stoush with Ray Hadley over vaccine stance

“I’m very disappointed in you”: Guy Sebastian called in to Ray Hadley’s show to clear up today’s vaccine controversy. It didn’t go well.

Singer Guy Sebastian called in to radio host Ray Hadley’s program this morning in an attempt to clear up his thoughts on Covid vaccinations – and it was a tense 10-minute chat.

Sebastian issued an emotional apology video after posting a now-deleted social media message urging Australians to get vaccinated.

The initial message was part of the newly-launched #VaxTheNation campaign, organised by leading figures in the entertainment industry and urging Aussies to get vaccinated so live entertainment can start to recover from our crippling Covid lockdowns.

Guy Sebastian and Ray Hadley went head-to-head on-air.

But before many had seen the post on Sebastian’s account, it was deleted, with a vague apology video in its place that saw Sebastian explaining that it was posted without his knowledge and he would “never, ever tell people what to do when it comes to their personal health choices”.

Faced with a wave of criticism over the apology video, Sebastian called into Ray Hadley’s 2GB program just before midday to clear the air.

“I’m very disappointed in you, to tell you the truth,’ said Hadley, who had earlier in the day urged Sebastian to “get the splinters out of your arse; get off the fence”.

“I’m equally disappointed in you Ray,” Sebastian began. “I think it’s a very false narrative and you’ve actually missed the point of what I’m saying. I haven’t said I don’t support vaccinations – I’m double-jabbed myself. My point is that there are people who I have personal relationships with that also fall into a category of consideration. I personally choose to be inclusive of people who have genuine reasons – I’m talking about teachers who’ve taught for 25 years that can’t teach, I’m talking about musicians and crew who have legitimate medical reasons why it’s a much more difficult situation,” he said.

Hadley pointed out that Sebastian had never mentioned those with “legitimate medical reasons” in his apology video.

“In my message, I said I support the initiative, I just don’t think it should be done in a way to shame the people who don’t fall into an anti-vax category,” the singer argued.

Hadley then replayed Sebastian’s apology video back to him in full, live on air, then asked the singer if he was now further clarifying that in the video he was referring to those with medical conditions and not anti-vaxxers.

“I think you’re ignoring my statement altogether, especially at the end where we said we need to consider people’s specific circumstances … I’ve been very clear of my stance, I’m pro-vaxx. I’m against things that are ill-informed,” he said.

“The comment that was posted on my behalf dealt in absolutes, and I’m not about that. I am with the campaign. I have cancelled my tour three times – I more than anybody want us to get going. But personally, I want to consider the make-up artist I know who has a very serious disease who can’t work unless she gets the jab. We can have this conversation without lumping those people in with the anti-vax people.”

The original since-deleted #Vaxthenation message shared to Guy’s account without his knowledge.

Hadley asked Sebastian who had shared the original post on his behalf.

“It was my team … I was mortified that it was worded that way. We’ve all got people that are personal to us and I don’t want to hurt them,” he said.

Hadley mentioned that Sebastian’s apology had been met with widespread criticism, reading out one tweet from fellow Aussie muso Ben Lee: “This is actually a really sad example of what happens when your career is dependent on trying to be all things to all people,” Lee had tweeted.

“Unfortunately, when you’re in the public eye, you’ll say one thing, someone will interpret it another way, and then the lump-on starts. Ben’s a beautiful guy – but he’s only weighing in on a narrative that’s already been set, which wasn’t the correct narrative,” said Sebastian. (In fact, Lee was responding directly to the full video of Sebastian’s apology that was reposted on Twitter).

“I know who I am and I know my heart in that video – I don’t think I need to clarify myself,” he said.

“Well I think you do. I’ve given you the opportunity, thanks for your time – I still think you’re wrong,” said Hadley, cutting him off.

Guy on The Voice.

“Good luck to you, you’re working, but your colleagues are very upset given you’re working on The Voice and they can’t get a quid anywhere. In this case, you can’t be wishy-washy, I don’t think.”

After the interview, Hadley read out some listener feedback – “those he could repeat on radio” – and noted many listeners expressed disappointment in what Sebastian had said, asking why the star didn’t just encourage more people to get vaccinated.

In a statement provided to news.com.au this morning, Sebastian said that there should be “no confusion” about his stance on vaccinations.

“There is no confusion, I made the personal decision to be double vaccinated. I support the music industry initiatives to revive our industry, however, I personally don’t believe it is my place to deal in absolutes to tell people what to do in regards to their personal health choices. We need to remember to communicate with empathy and understanding. This has always been my goal,” he said.

In a statement provided to news.com.au, a #VAXTHENATION spokesperson said:

“We all miss our loved ones – our friends, our family, and being able to gather again. We all want to get back to the magic of live events. #VAXTHENATION is not a political campaign tied to any Government, and we welcome open conversation. The campaign is self-funded by the industry and the position of the LIVE Alliance (Live Industry Venues and Entertainment Alliance) is that high vaccination rates are the only way to get the show back on the road. We are encouraging people to seek professional health advice and make an informed choice. Head to our website to read more about informed consent.”