Crikey columnist sacked for “every grope is now a sexual assault” text to ABC radio

A prominent columnist for Crikey has reportedly let go for texting “every grope is now a sexual assault” to ABC Radio National during a segment about sexual offences.

Crikey columnist Guy Rundle has been sacked after sending a controversial ext. Picture: Istock

A well-known Crikey columnist has reportedly been sacked after sending a controversial text on sexual assault to an ABC radio show’s text line.

Crikey’s Correspondent-at-large Guy Rundle reportedly messaged Radio National Breakfast in response to a segment on rising sexual offences and said it was because “every grope is now a sexual assault”.

Host Patricia Karvelas read out the message on Thursday morning, telling listeners “Guy Rundle has written in to say soft interview” and was visibly surprised after reading aloud his comment on groping.

“It’s because every grope is now a sexual assault and people don’t believe policy people,” Karvelas quoted.

“Wow that’s quite staggering ... I’ve got to say I’m a little shocked there.”

Karvelas had earlier interviewed Queensland Sexual Assault Network executive officer Angela Lynch about the need for government action after the state’s dramatic rise in sexual violence offences in the last decade.

Private Media chief executive Will Hayward told the Guardian Australia on Friday the publisher was “appalled” by the comments and would no longer publish Rundle’s work.

“We were appalled to hear the comment made by Guy Rundle about sexual assault on Radio National yesterday morning,” Hayward told the Guardian.

“Rundle is a writer with significant talents and a body of insightful and challenging work, but we condemn those kinds of comments and our working relationship has become untenable.

“Therefore, we will no longer be publishing his work.”

The Herald Sun has contacted Crikey, which is owned by Private Media, for comment.

Originally published as Crikey columnist sacked for “every grope is now a sexual assault” text to ABC radio