Fox Sports presenter Megan Barnard speaks out after ‘degrading’ remarks

Fox Sports presenter Megan Barnard has broken her silence following the highly-publicised sacking of former colleague Tom Morris.

Megan Barnard and Isa Gua. Photo by Phil Hillyard

Fox Sports presenter Megan Barnard has broken her silence following the highly-publicised sacking of former colleague Tom Morris, declaring that “coming out is a process and should never be taken out of someone’s hands”.

Morris was stood down by Fox Sports after videos from a leaked WhatsApp group, which revealed Barnard’s sexuality, began circulating social media earlier this week.

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Fox Sports executive director Steve Crawley said Morris’ actions were “unacceptable”.

“Our culture at Fox Sports is based on a respectful, inclusive environment and a fair go for all,” he said in a statement.

“While Tom’s journalism has made a valuable contribution to Fox Sports over the past seven years, the message we became aware of yesterday crossed the line. It was unacceptable.

“We have the best in the business working at Fox Sports. We love what we do, and we have a reputation as a great place to work. The bottom line is we are committed to a work environment where everyone can come to work in the knowledge they are safe, respected and valued. We have zero-tolerance for anything less than that.”

Fox Sports presenter Megan Barnard. Picture: Toby Zerna

In a statement uploaded to Instagram on Sunday afternoon, Barnard thanked those who voiced their support and hoped her experience would serve as a “catalyst for change” in the media industry.

“I have been overwhelmed by the amount of support I have received over the past few

days in response to the comments about me in the media,” she wrote.

“To everyone who has reached out, thank you. Fortunately, I am at a place in my life where I am comfortable with who I am and I can handle something deeply personal becoming public. But had this happened as recently as a few years ago, it would not have been the case. “Coming out is a process and should never be taken out of someone’s hands. Nor should anyone be spoken about in such a degrading manner. I hope my experience can be a catalyst for change in not just the sports industry, but in every industry.”

Sydney Sixers cricketer Erin Burns commented: “You’re a legend.”

Australian all-rounder Ellyse Perry replied: “Lots of love for you and everything you do.”

Cricket reporter Melinda Farrell tweeted: “Megan Barnard is one of the most hardworking and talented presenters out there, not to mention an incredibly lovely person. I hate that this has happened to her and I hope this really is the tipping point for change.”

Sports broadcasters Roz Kelly and Erin Molan also shared their support for Barnard.

Great statement from Megan Barnard on Instagram - this should never have happened to her, but good on her for speaking out https://t.co/MPCGzFSMjrpic.twitter.com/TzDLGA0jeX

— Megan Maurice (@meganmaurice) March 20, 2022

Morris released a statement on Twitter on Friday night, apologising for his behaviour.

“I would like to unconditionally apologise to everyone for my disgusting and disgraceful comments, which became public yesterday,” he wrote.

“I am especially sorry to the person involved. No one should ever in any place, or at any time, be spoken about in that way.

“I am deeply ashamed of my behaviour. My comments were hurtful to many and I will now take the time to listen, learn and work to improve myself, ensuring I become a better person. I am truly sorry to everyone.”

Former Melbourne captain and Fox Footy presenter Garry Lyon said he supported the decision to sack Morris.

“We understand and respect the standards and the values of everyone here at the Foxtel group and we – the on-air group – have a responsibility to live those values and not just pay lip service to them,” he told Fox Footy on Friday.

“We’ve got to be better, we need to be better. And most important in all of this, there’s an innocent party through no fault of this person, finds herself under enormous pressure and our thoughts are with her tonight.”

Barnard will present Australia’s Cricket World Cup match against South Africa from Wellington on Tuesday morning.