Watch: Brad Fittler’s cringe-worthy Channel 9 television interview with Jessica and Noemie Fox

A car crash live interview with Australia’s gold medal-winning Fox sisters has rugby league great Brad Fittler under fire after critics called him out over “inappropriate” remarks.

Channel 9 commentator Brad Fittler has come under fire for an awkward interview on live television with Australia’s Olympic gold medal-winning sisters Jessica and Noemie Fox.

Fittler caused a social media storm before the start of Friday night’s NRL match between Penrith and South Sydney when hosts Danika Mason and Alanna Ferguson crossed to the former NSW Origin coach on the sideline at BlueBet Stadium, where he was standing beside the Fox sisters.

“I’m just waiting for kiss cam to come on … on me,” Fittler told viewers.

“It’s not happening.”

Brad Fittler's cringe-worthy interview with Australia's Olympic gold medallist sisters Jessica (left) and Noemie Fox.

Jess Fox turned away from Fittler with an embarrassed look on her face, while sister Noemie responded with an awkward laugh.

Fittler then asked Noemie “do you like it?”, to which she replied “huh?”

“Do you like it — the environment here. Do you like the footy?” Fittler said.

Noemie Fox appeared confused at Fittler’s line of questioning and asked whether the coverage had started.

“Yes, we’re on,” Fittler said.

“Oh, we’re live?” Noemie responded.

“Yeah, I love the footy. Honestly, this is an amazing reception that we’ve received.”

A Nine Spokesperson has defended Fittler in a statement to News Corp: “An activation was taking place in the stadium last night with a Kiss cam that was not part of the tv coverage and Brad’s comments related to that activity on the ground. Brad’s comments were not directed to the Fox sisters, no malice was intended and no offence was taken.

“Freddy works tirelessly in the community space to improve the treatment of all Individuals and he remains a valued member of staff at Nine.”

@NRLonNine Disgusting comment by Brad Fittler at the start of his interview with the Fox sisters before the start of the game. Misogyny at its worst. These 2 women are accomplished Olympians and you could see the shock the comment made to Jess. Shame @MFWitches

— peter kop ☮ (@koppa63) August 30, 2024

It was disgusting. Jess Fox reacted shocked and turned away. The misogyny was blatant and gross. Action must be taken. #nrlpanthersrabbitohs@Channel9#BradFittler

— peter kop ☮ (@koppa63) August 30, 2024

Gross remarks from Brad Fittler, you would think he’d know better. Does anyone have the footage? #NRLPanthersSouthshttps://t.co/XDOc9lmHRH

— Rugby League News (@RugbyLeagueNews) August 30, 2024

I have not called for him to lose his job? I don’t think he should lose his job for this. However It was an inappropriate comment and made the women feel uncomfortable. They were there for sporting achievements not to be hit on.

— Rugby League News (@RugbyLeagueNews) August 30, 2024

Given the scrutiny on culture issues at TV networks in recent times, on-air talent should be more careful than ever before about what they say and how it is interpreted.

The incident sparked immediate furore online.

One social media user wrote “Brad ‘Don’t blush baby’ Fittler”, likening the incident to West Indian cricketer Chris Gayle’s awkward interview with Channel 7 reporter Mel McLaughlin following a Big Bash game in 2016.

“Disgusting comment by Brad Fittler at the start of his interview with the Fox sisters before the start of the game. Misogyny at its worst. These 2 women are accomplished Olympians and you could see the shock the comment made to Jess. Shame,” @koppa63 posted on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.

Noemie and Jess Fox with their father, Richard, at BlueBet Stadium on Friday night. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

Noemie Fox and Jess walk out to applause from the crowd. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

Jess and Noemie with their gold medals at the Eiffel Tower. Picture: Jack Guez/AFP

@RugbyLeagueNews account wrote: “Gross remarks from Brad Fittler, you would think he’d know better.”

Fittler was contacted for a response to the incident on Friday night but only responded with “no comment”.

A Nine spokesperson said Fittler was just being “light-hearted”.

Some social media users jumped to Fittler’s defence.

“Really???? How can you get that take and try and ruin someone?” one user wrote.

Another wrote: “Sorry, what’s the problem exactly?”

The Fox sisters, who are both diehard Panthers supporters, were special guests at Penrith’s penultimate regular-season home game of the season on Friday night.

They visited Panthers HQ on Monday as part of their homecoming celebrations from the Paris Olympics, where Jess brought home double gold in the women’s slalom C-1 and K-1, and Noemie won the women’s slalom KX-1.