Josh Mansour apologises following backlash over interview with ex-NRL player Taylan May

A popular rugby league podcast has found itself in hot water over an interview with an exiled NRL player awaiting court.

Josh Mansour apologises following backlash over interview with ex-NRL player Taylan May

A popular rugby league podcast has found itself in hot water over an interview with exiled NRL player Taylan May following a wave of backlash from fans.

On Sunday evening, promotional clips for the episode began circulating across social media accounts of Josh Mansour and the “Lets Trot” podcast, but they were swiftly taken down as criticism bombarded several comment sections.

Taylan May, who is currently embroiled in a legal battle involving charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and two counts of stalking, had been let go by the Panthers earlier this year.

The controversial episode was slated for release on Wednesday, with the podcast teasing it as “Taylan May UNCUT.”

Mansour, who spent the bulk of his career at the Panthers before retiring and switching to podcasting, has built a following of NRL fans with his podcast focusing on current players and how they developed through the ranks.

Josh Mansour apologises following backlash over an interview with ex-NRL player Taylan May.

However, after facing heavy criticism, the “Lets Trot” podcast issued a public apology on Monday, addressing the uproar.

“A preview for an upcoming episode with Taylan May was posted via social media on Sunday night and was removed shortly after,” the statement began.

“To clarify, this episode was football-focused, and our platform was not used to express opinions or deliver messages regarding Taylan’s personal life in any way. We unreservedly apologise for an oversight and lack of perspective on the sensitivities surrounding Taylan and not allowing due process to take its place for all parties concerned.

“We appreciate that our audience understands this was completely unintentional and acknowledge the timing of this was not right.”

May, 22, is facing charges for domestic violence offences.

Mansour took to social media to give his apology later on Monday, saying he “never condones” domestic violence and hopes the community will forgive him for his lack of foresight.

“I just wanted to personally come on here and address last night’s post regarding Taylan May and the Let’s Trot show,” Mansour said.

“I wholeheartedly apologise for the lack of foresight and timing to interview Taylan, especially before court proceedings take place.

“My intention was to get a better understanding of Taylan as a person and his upbringing around rugby league.

“Again, the timing was poor. Poor judgement on my behalf and I own that.

“Finally, given the allegations, I would never condone domestic violence in any shape or form.

“I will learn from this and be more aware next time.

“I hope the community will forgive me.”

It came after May parted ways with the Panthers to seek “other opportunities” as he awaits a court hearing in March, 2025.

It came after May parted ways with the Panthers to seek “other opportunities” as he awaits a court hearing in March, 2025.

Last month, the club confirmed May, who has been sidelined under the NRL’s no-fault stand-down policy, was “departing” the club immediately.

It’s understood the club negotiated a confidential settlement after a Federal Court battle following a failed bid by the Panthers to sack him.

“Taylan May is departing the Panthers effective immediately and is seeking other opportunities,” the club said in a statement.

“With respect to all parties, the club will make no further comment on the matter.”

May, 22, is facing charges for domestic violence offences. He has pleaded not guilty to stalking and three counts of domestic violence following an alleged argument in Werrington home in April.

He has also been issued with a series of breach notices by the Panthers for incidents including swearing on social media, a video post showing May as the passenger in a car driving 96kmh in a school zone and allegations he punched a woman in the face and leg.

The representative centre signed a lucrative two-year extension earlier this season but is now a free agent. However, he won’t be able to play for a new club even if he signs given the no-fault stand down rules remain in place.