SAS Australia: Mark ‘Billy’ Billingham defends Nick Cummins after controversial fight

One of the SAS Australia directing staff has weighed in on the controversial scene that sparked a viewer backlash on Monday night.

One of the SAS Australia directing staff has weighed in on the controversial fight between Nick ‘Honey Badger’ Cummins and Sabrina Frederick.

In the first episode of the Channel 7 show on Monday night, the 17 celebrity recruits were challenged to fight one another in a boxing match.

AFLW player Frederick was told she could pick her opponent, and she stunned her co-stars and viewers at home when she picked Cummins, who didn’t hold back during the clash.

Nick Honey Badger Cummins fighting AFLW star Sabrina Frederick.

The confronting fight scene sparked a fierce debate in Australia about whether or not Cummins should have gone as hard as he did or even agreed to the fight in the first place.

Speaking to news.com.au, SAS Australia staff Mark ‘Billy’ Billingham defended Cummins.

“Everyone around the world is stamping their feet about equality and equal rights – there’s your equal rights right there,” Billingham said.

“She chose him. They were told a task to do and that’s what they did … I take my hat off to Nick. He did what he was supposed to do.”

Billingham praised Frederick for picking Cummins, saying: “She’s a tough girl and gave a great fight to be honest.”

He added: “(Sabrina) was phenomenal. Her strength, her mentality and how she carried her way through all the tasks.”

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SAS Australia directing staff: Ollie Ollerton, Ant Middleton, Jason ‘Foxy’ Fox, Mark ‘Billy’ Billingham.

BACKLASH

After the episode aired, Frederick spoke to Seven News about the incident and thanked Cummins for fighting her.

“I volunteered first and I picked Nick for two reasons,” she said. “Firstly, I wanted to select the person I thought was the biggest challenge. Secondly, I knew our respect was mutual and he would give me a fair fight, regardless of my gender.

“In battle, the enemy doesn’t care about your gender or size and we had to think like soldiers to get through each and every task.

“Yes, I was scared but that’s the whole point of SAS selection – not letting the fear consume you and instead harnessing it to empower you.

“I am truly grateful for Nick and for that experience.”

But despite the fact Frederick picked Cummins, some viewers felt uneasy about the clash.

The most vocal critic was singer and domestic violence campaigner Guy Sebastian. He said in an interview that he “felt quite sick” watching the episode.

“My wife and I run a foundation where we deal with domestic violence,” he said on Nova 93.7’s Nathan, Nat & Shaun show. “I thought that was pretty p**s poor, if I’m being honest.

“I think it makes it very difficult to tell your kids, to tell your boy, ‘You never hit a girl. It doesn’t matter what the circumstance is, you just never, ever hit a girl. Violence against women is always wrong.’”

Guy Sebastian is not a fan of SAS Australia. Picture: Joel Carrett/AAP

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Sebastian also commented on the show on Twitter, writing: “I’ve met Nick (Cummins) and he’s a top bloke. I don’t have an issue with any individual on the show.

“I stand by my opinion because I’m entitled to it. They were told to bash each other, and to keep going even if the opponent was on the ground. I personally didn’t like what I saw. I understand all sides of the argument when it comes to actual SAS training, combat sports etc.

“In a martial arts gym, they are not told to smash someone even if they are on the ground. IMO (in my opinion) just because ‘she asked for it’ by choosing him doesn’t make it OK. In the DV space the line for ‘she asked for it’ is extremely varied so when it comes to entertainment, great caution.

“However this is a reality TV show featuring celebrities ranging from Love Island contestants, ex-sports stars and a convicted drug smuggler. I get they are putting them through SAS training, but it’s still a reality TV show, with no actual combat at the end.

Nick Honey Badger Cummins fighting AFLW star Sabrina Frederick.

“Once again it’s just an opinion, I felt uneasy watching it because of the work we have done in the DV space. Everyone will have a different view and I respect that, however I still think we don’t need more idolised sports stars hitting women on TV for ANY reason.”

SAS Australia contestant, Roxy Jacenko, also had an issue with the fight.

“I take my hat off to Sabrina for choosing the Honey Badger,” Jacenko said on KIIS FM. “She was the biggest girl in terms of height and weight.

“But you know what I think is disgusting? The Honey Badger had a choice. Should he have hit her back? Absolutely not,” she said.

SAS Australia continues on Monday night on Channel 7 at 7.30pm