NSW Swifts’ Samantha Wallace-Joseph apologises for the controversial social media post which “caused understandable hurt”

After the NSW Swifts and Netball Australia were sent into in damage control following a social media post from Sam Wallace-Joseph which outraged fans, the star shooter has issued an apology late on Tuesday night.

NSW Swifts star shooter Samantha Wallace-Joseph has issued an apology for a controversial social media post regarding Transgender Day of Visibility.

The Swifts confirmed they had met with Wallace-Joseph to discuss the post and issued a statement late on Tuesday night which included the shooter’s apology.

“It was not my intention to upset and disrespect anybody and while I feel my post was taken out of context, I didn’t say what I meant clearly,” Wallace-Joseph said in the statement.

“I did not wish to cause any offence to members of the trans-gender community and it is clear that I have and for that I am sorry.”

NSW Swifts executive general manager Kath Tetley said the club was “committed to the ongoing education required to ensure there is a common understanding among all of the cultures and communities that make up the Swifts.”

Sam Wallace-Joseph has issued an apology for her controversial remarks. Picture: Jenny Evans/Getty Images for Netball Australia

Wallace-Joseph, 30, is a devout Christian. On Easter Sunday she reposted news of US President Joe Biden acknowledging March 31 as Transgender Day of Visibility.

It is an awareness day held on the same date every year. This year it coincided with Easter Sunday.

Wallace-Joseph shared the post along with the words: “The disrespect is crazy. Don’t play with GOD.”

Many fans said they were disappointed with Wallace and her views.

Despite the post being deleted, Wallace defended her opinion to fans online via X.

She responded to one fan who said her “opinion was hateful and wrong” with “I don’t owe people on the internet any explanation”.

She told another fan “my opinion still stands”.

Your opinion is hateful and wrong 🫶🏳️‍⚧️

— Clare B. (@ClareB07402218) April 1, 2024

Netball Australia’s Code of Conduct states that participants must not “mix the professional and personal use of social media in ways that could bring NA, the game of netball, an SSN Club or MO into disrepute” or distribute content on social media that contains hate speech or disruptive in nature.

Netball Australia has remained relatively quiet on the incident, issuing a short statement.

“Late yesterday the Suncorp Super Netball League became aware of a social media post by NSW Swifts player Samantha Wallace-Joseph which caused hurt to members of the transgender community,” the statement read.

“Netball Australia and the Suncorp Super netball League are committed to embracing diversity and ensuring the sport is welcoming and safe for everyone who wants to participate, including members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

“The Suncorp Super Netball League is closely working with the NSW Swifts in relation to the sport’s code of conduct.”

*Hun*, everyone is accountable for what they post online. We all clearly don’t know you, but what you have posted goes against the values espoused by the club you represent, so we are going to point that out and express our disappointment.

— Clare B. (@ClareB07402218) April 1, 2024

Only weeks ago, Netball Australia confirmed there would be another inclusion round this season.

As part of last season’s inclusion round New South Wales Swifts collaborated with Proud 2 Play – an organisation that advocates for inclusion in sports.

Proud 2 Play CEO Christine Granger said the situation was “disappointing’.

“It is disappointing to see any player making comments that cause harm to a community that already suffers extreme levels of discrimination. It is vital that role models in sports understand the power their voices hold and the impact they can have on individuals and communities in both a positive and negative way,” Granger said.

“It is harmful comments such as this that continue to create barriers to participation in sports by telling our communities that sport is not a safe space for us.

“Proud 2 Play works with many sports towards creating safer and more inclusive spaces for the LGBTQI+ community, and we will continue to work with the NSW Swifts to educate everyone involved in the organisation on the need for inclusive practices.”

The Swifts quickly responded to the saga with a statement on their social channels and said they would meet with Wallace-Joseph on Tuesday but at the time of print had not issued any further update.

Appreciate @NSWSwifts addressing this quickly, despite it being a public holiday.
Tough conversations ahead I’m sure, but so important to reaffirm to our transgender friends and family that you are welcome in our netball community ❤️ https://t.co/s5DWG3dpIC

— Niki Butler (@NikiButler92) April 1, 2024

“The NSW Swifts are aware of a social media post by Samantha Wallace-Joseph earlier today which has caused understandable hurt to members of the transgender community,” the statement read.

“The views expressed in the post are not shared by the club.

“The club spoke with Samantha raising its concerns. It is important to note that Samantha listened and will meet with the club.

“As a club we remain committed to ongoing education of issues of social importance and commentary.

“Many members of our family, both directly within the club and in the stands, identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community. The NSW Swifts will always be their allies.”

It is not the first time Netball Australia has had a contracted player share controversial posts relating to the LGBTQIA+ community.

Maria Folau came under fire in 2019 when she openly supported the homophobic comments made by her husband, former Wallabies player Israel Folau.

Originally published as NSW Swifts’ Samantha Wallace-Joseph apologises for the controversial social media post which “caused understandable hurt”