Crikey editor-in-chief Peter Fray takes indefinite leave after ‘inappropriate’ behaviour at 2022 Walkleys dinner

Peter Fray, the editor-in-chief of news website Crikey, has apologised again for his actions criticising the ABC at the annual Walkley Awards and will take indefinite leave.

Crikey editor-in-chief Peter Fray is taking indefinite leave. Picture: Hollie Adams

The editor-in-chief of online news site Crikey will take indefinite leave after his “inappropriate” behaviour at the prestigious annual Walkley Awards last week.

Crikey boss Peter Fray has apologised for the second time in just three days and said he will use his time off to “deeply reflect on my actions and seek appropriate assistance”.

Fray was heard yelling out at the black-tie event when ABC reporters, Anne Connolly and Stephanie Zillman received the Gold Walkley for their stories on public guardianship.

He then posted two since-deleted tweets, criticising the ABC for not acknowledging Crikey’s work on the same issue.

“I can’t undo my actions on that evening, as much as I wish to do so,” Fray said in a statement on Sunday.

“It was wrong for me to question the veracity and originality of the ABC’s work and the excellence of its journalism.

“There is no truth to the claim that they “stole” reporting from Crikey.

“For me to act the way I did was totally unwarranted, inappropriate and out of character.”

Crikey editor-in-chief Peter Fray’s tweets, which have been deleted. Picture: Twitter

Private Media, which owns Crikey, also issued a statement from chief executive officer Will Hayward, who condemned Fray’s actions. “Following the events of the Walkley Awards last week, Peter Fray will be on indefinite leave from his role as managing editor of Private Media and editor-in-chief of Crikey,” he said.

“Peter's behaviour was unacceptable and does not reflect the standards we aspire to at our company.”

Mr Hayward congratulated the ABC for taking out the Gold Walkley.