Pip Edwards apologises for ‘tone deaf’ Australia Day celebrations

Michael Clarke’s girlfriend has issued a lengthy apology for her “tone deaf” Australia Day celebrations after being widely slated for multiple reasons.

Pip Edwards has issued a lengthy apology after being slated for celebrating Australia Day just hours after sharing her support for the “change the date” movement.

The 40-year-old previously shared a letter titled “no cause to celebrate” with her 172,000 followers on Instagram that called for January 26 to be abandoned as a day of national celebration.

But just hours later she shared a series of photos and videos of herself at a gathering marking the day, writing: “A day to celebrate the land that we live and thrive on. I love you, Australia.”

Ms Edwards – who owns fitness empire P.E Nation and is the girlfriend of retired Australian cricket captain Michael Clarke – was widely criticised online for her “tone deaf behaviour” and has now issued a grovelling apology on Instagram.

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Michael Clarke’s girlfriend Pip Edwards has apologised after being criticised for celebrating Australia Day. Picture: Instagram/PipEdwards

As part of her celebrations her group hung an Aboriginal flag upside down. Picture: Instagram/PipEdwards

“I want to express my sincere apologies to those that I have offended,” she wrote on Wednesday.

“My intentions were always from a good place, in support of all people, wanting unity and community in this country and globally.

“I innocently did not realise that the Aboriginal flag was upside down and was more focused on the idea of raising both flags together on the one pole, flying as one.”

She went on to described it as a “huge mistake” claiming she did not realise it at the time and didn’t mean to cause disrespect.

“I then made the error of incorrectly using the word ‘celebrate the land’ when it should have read ‘acknowledge’,” she continued.

“Again, a big mistake on my part and for that I deeply apologise.”

Ms Edwards sparked anger when she shared a letter, which was written by someone else and published in an unidentifiable newspaper, in support of the Indigineous community.

“If another country invaded Australia and took it over, massacred many of our families, took possession of our land, homes and properties, took away our culture, forbade us from speaking English and punished us if we did, took away our children in an effort to cleanse us of our ethnicity, herded us into enclaves and missions, rounded up our sons, fathers, uncles and grandfathers in balls and chains and treated us as ‘subhuman’, would we and our descendants want to ‘celebrate’ the anniversary of that day?” it read.

“I think not. So why would we expect First Nations people to feel differently and why would those in positions of power be so insensitive to ignore what this day truly means? What have we got to lose by changing the date of Australia Day?”

Ms Edwards captioned it, “IN BLACK AND WHITE”, appearing to endorse the powerful message.

Ms Edwards had earlier shown her support for this letter stating January 26 was ‘no day to celebrate’. Picture: Instagram/PipEdwards

But just hours later, she shared a photo from her balcony overlooking a beautiful harbour, writing: “Celebrating the beautiful land that we live and thrive on.”

She also shared a series of videos in her backyard, showing her enjoying a meal of barbecued prawns and chicken with a group of friends, including high-profile boyfriend Michael Clarke.

“Come on Pip. Read the room babe. You literally just posted on your story that today is not a day to celebrate ‘in black and white’ and then you post this?” one said.

“Did you forget about the Story you posted earlier today? Performative activism is gross,” another agreed.

“Wowwwwww. Don’t post a little Instagram story in ‘support’ of changing the date and then go and celebrate Australia Day. Educate yourself!” someone else declared.

Her post was widely criticised by many who called it ‘tone deaf’. Picture: Instagram/PipEdwards

Her retired Australian cricket captain boyfriend Michael Clarke was at the gathering. Picture: Instagram/PipEdwards

One Indigenous woman said: “Have fun celebrating. Your privilege rings true. Meanwhile, our pain and sorrows are felt for weeks leading up to this day.”

Many more agreed, labelling Ms Edwards “contradictory”, “tone deaf” and “embarrassing”.

In one video, Ms Edwards and the group raise a “dual” flag that has the Australian flag on one side and the Aboriginal flag on the other.

But commenters have pointed out the Aboriginal flag was upside down.

“UGH. And the flag you put up was upside down …” one wrote.

“The Indigenous flag is upside down, how utterly embarrassing for starters,” another agreed.

“Also … your Aboriginal flag is upside down on your flagpole.”

Abbie Chatfield called it ‘honestly baffling’. Picture: Supplied

Outspoken reality TV star Abbie Chatfield also criticised Ms Edwards, writing: “Why have you posted a story explicitly outlining why today is not the date to celebrate and then posted this, precisely the opposite?

“You are clearly aware of the reasoning behind the protests, the outcry, the mourning … but post this.

“Confusing, tone deaf behaviour. I don’t even know what to say,” she said.

“Usually it would be ‘educate yourself’ but … you have posted about why this isn’t OK. It’s honestly baffling. Also, the Aboriginal flag is upside down in your stories, so.”

There were some people in the comments who supported Ms Edwards.

“I’m glad you posted this and words well chosen that seem to be forgotten by many,” one said.

“I can’t believe the comments on this post. We are free and allowed to vocalise our appreciation and love for our country,” another chipped in.

Ms Edwards has been contacted by news.com.au for comment.