Bert Newton divides Logies audience with ‘odd and jarring’ jokes

TV legend Bert Newton took to the stage at the 2018 Logie Awards to rapturous applause. But some of his “jokes” soon had people gasping.

PEOPLE are divided over Bert Newton’s appearance at the 2018 Logie Awards.

The TV legend, 79, took to the stage at the Star Casino on the Gold Coast to rapturous applause before launching into a lengthy and at times very funny monologue — but a few of his comments raised eyebrows with audiences at home.

He said that younger viewers might see him on screen and ask “Where has this old poof come from?”

Later on during his speech, Newton spoke about his late, great friend Graham Kennedy, offering up innuendo-laden anecdote about the TV legend, who was famously guarded about his sexuality.

“He enjoyed giving young people a chance on television, he was a great mentor, he mentored a lot of young people. You knew if you went to his dressing room it was locked, he will be inside doing some mentoring,” he said, an eyebrow raised as the audience gasped.

Bert Newton at the 2018 Logies. Picture: Channel 9

People on Twitter were quick to express their displeasure at his use of the word “poof” and his further comments which fell a little flat in the midst of the powerful #metoo movement.

“F*ck you Bert Newton for using a homophobic slur and f*ck everyone who laughed,” wrote @cinegirl14.

Don't use the word poof, ever. It's not funny & as a gay man who grew up in regional Queensland - had it directed to me as a teenager, full of poison. It hurts to hear. #TVWeekLogies

— Brent Davidson (@Brentus88) July 1, 2018

Bert Newton is a legend so it’s seems churlish to be critical but his Graham Kennedy “joke” was odd and jarring, particularly in the context of presenting an award in Kennedy’s name. #Logies #logies2018

— Michael Byrnes (@MichaelByrnes) July 1, 2018

When Bert Newton leaves the stage, will someone explain to him about the #metoo movement?
Making jokes about "mentoring behind closed dressing room doors" is not funny#Logies2018

— Andrew Mercado (@andrewmercado) July 1, 2018

“most people are wondering who this old poof up on stage is” I’m pretty sure Bert Newton just either outed himself (finally) or was outright homophobic #Logies #logies2018 🌈@TVWEEKmag @tvtonightau

— Patrick Abboud (@PatrickAbboud) July 1, 2018

Interesting choice for Bert Newton to imply Graham Kennedy was a serial sexual abuser while presenting an award named in his honour. #logies

— David (@TheGrimRecapper) July 1, 2018

Ooooooooooh boy

Bert Newton just put his foot in it on the #Logies2018 broadcast.#MeToo

— Sandy Lanceley (@sandylanceley) July 1, 2018

Newton later played the statements down to News Corp when pressed.

“It was totally innocent so far as I am concerned,” he said.

“In fairness these days, everything is jumped on. I am not that sort of person. I didn’t mean anything untoward.”

Despite his comments drawing the ire of some viewers, Newton received a standing ovation, proving not everyone took umbridge at his words.

Many on social media also loved his rare appearance on their TV screens.

Loving Bert Newton. He's not holding back. Well done. He deserves his time on stage 👏👏👏 #Logies #logies2018

— Eileen 🌈 (@BellaBaby74) July 1, 2018

All rise to give Bert Newton a standing ovation. That was lovely #Logies

— Lukas. (@newlife1995) July 1, 2018

Waiting for all the Tweets from the PC brigade screaming how inappropriate Bert Newton was. I reckon he was awesome and the joke obviously lost on them. #Logies #TVWEEKLogies

— Scott Gumbleton (@scottgumbleton) July 1, 2018

Speaking to media afterwards, Newton was asked about his comments. He said “I meant nothing untoward”.

Bert Newton gets a standing ovation at the 2018 Logies. Picture: Channel 9

Newton wasn’t the only one raising eyebrows with his banter on Sunday evening.

Host Dave Hughes also back-pedalled quickly after proclaiming his “love” for the former Nine Network star Don Burke.

“Give it up for Tracy Grimshaw, guys. 30 years, nominated for gold. And also her Don Burke interview has been nominated as well. That was amazing. We have a lot of revelations from that. We got the revelation that Don apparently has Aspergers. No-one knew about that. Including his doctor. No, I love Don Burke. I love Don.”

At this point, with the audience groaning, Hughesy backtracked about his “love” for Don Burke.

“I don’t love everything about him. Alright? Now I’ve taken myself to weird zone. Sorry.”

Later in the night, Hamish and Andy took to the stage and discussed the gaffe.

“We did just have a chat to Hughesy out the back. He would like us to clear up one detail: He does not love Don Burke. In fact, I don’t know if we have got any of the cricket instant replay, but I think he said it four times. The old, ‘I’m Hughesy and I will say I love the person I’m having a go at’, it has never backfired before and it did in that instance.”