Fierce reaction to Tayla Harris photo controversy

Tayla Harris has revealed how the savage backlash to her photo led to thoughts surrounding her safety when playing in the future.

The fallout to Channel 7’s Tayla Harris controversy continues as support for the AFLW star floods social media.

The network took down a photo of the 21-year-old on its Facebook account after vile comments from users began appearing underneath.

Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley said the comments were “clearly unacceptable” on Wednesday morning, while former Sydney Swan Brandon Jack weighed in on the issue in a column for smh.com.au.

Harris earlier said on Wednesday she was repulsed by some online comments regarding a picture of her kicking at goal while playing for Carlton.

“The comments I saw were sexual abuse, if you can call it that, because it was repulsive and it made me uncomfortable,” Harris told RSN radio. “That is what I would consider sexual abuse on social media.”

Minister for Women Kelly O’Dwyer was particularly infuriated by Channel 7’s decision to give in to the trolls and simply delete the post altogether.

“Im disgusted by the trolling that has taken place. In fact I was pretty frankly, disgusted, by Channel 7’s response in actually taking down her picture rather than dealing with the trolls,” Mrs O’Dwyer said via Channel 10.

Min for Women @KellyODwyer on @taylaharriss: "Im disgusted by the trolling that has taken place. In fact I was pretty frankly, disgusted, by Channel 7's response in actually taking down her picture rather than dealing with the trolls." @10NewsFirstMelb @10Daily #AFLW #taylaharris pic.twitter.com/FJDHhbR3FD

— Candice Wyatt (@CandiceWyatt10) March 20, 2019

She reiterated her stance when she fronted an awaiting media pack on Wednesday afternoon.

“I read it as ... if I’m getting these comments … and they don’t know me … I’m really concerned what that shows about someone,” Harris said.

“If I can stand up here and say something about it then that’s what I want to do today.

“Now I’m uncomfortable in my work space … I have decided this is a platform where I can help other people and make a difference.

“If I can come here, speak up and help just one person, that’s what matters.

“It’s not just me. It’s my mum and dad, it’s my grandparents — they aren’t on social media and live in Queensland. They’re all affected.

“If I could say anything, it’s that they’re affecting more people than they know.

“They need to be called out. I genuinely considered they might show up at the footy and if they are thinking this way — what are they going to do when I’m on the sidelines meeting kids?

“All I can really hope for is obviously that it stops. Hopefully some people have someone call them out and it helps bring an end to it.”

Harris: If I can come here, speak up and help just one person, that’s what matters. #BoundByBlue

— Carlton FC (@CarltonFC) March 20, 2019

Carlton coach Brendon Bolton also weighed in on the matter, blasting the social media trolls.

“Any scrutiny through social media, as far as I’m concerned, is unacceptable. It’s just unacceptable. Everyone’s a human, they’ve all got feelings and emotions,” Bolton said.

Speaking on RSN Breakfast Wednesday morning, Harris called for the AFL and possibly police to take action. “We can talk about this as much as we want but they (trolls) are not listening and they’re probably smiling about it, that we’re talking about it,” she said. “So something needs to go further.

“If these people are saying things like this to someone they don’t know on a public platform, what are they saying behind closed doors, and what are they doing?

“These people need to be called out by the AFL, yes, but also taken further — maybe this is the start of domestic violence, maybe this is the start of abuse.” The photo of Harris was published by, among others, the Seven Network on social media.

"I can see in people's profile pictures and they have women in their photos. What are these people saying behind closed doors?"

Tayla Harris on social media #RSNBreakfastClub pic.twitter.com/PG9pZxK66c

— RSN Breakfast Club (@RSNBreakfast) March 19, 2019

Seven deleted its post, citing “reprehensible” comments, but later reinstated the Harris photo and apologised after being criticised for giving in to online trolls.

AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan said it wasn’t simply an issue for Seven, a broadcast partner of the AFL.

“It’s more a challenge with the platform, social media, because this is not an isolated incident,” McLachlan said.

The photo at the centre of it all.

“There’s negativity in lots of aspects of our game and the community. “But when it’s unacceptable commentary, more and more people are calling that out and that is what has happened here.” Adelaide’s Erin Phillips, considered the AFLW’s best player, was among a chorus of players and athletes — including cricketer Alyssa Healy — to voice dismay at some of the online responses to the Harris photo.

Here’s a photo of me in full flight..... I think @taylaharriss may have done it with more athleticism and poise.... pic.twitter.com/ARrSGBHOIG

— Alyssa Healy (@ahealy77) March 19, 2019

— with AAP