ABC News Breakfast presenter Lisa Millar has publicly addressed "obnoxious commentary" she has received on social media in recent days.
On Tuesday, the ABC asked for a more responsible approach by some media outlets when reporting on the online abuse of female journalists.
The statement came after news.com.au and the Daily Mail ran stories covering the commentary and included examples, which the ABC described as "republishing abuse".
This morning, Millar addressed News Breakfast viewers directly.
"I'd like to take a minute to talk about what went on during the last 48 hours. If you're blessedly oblivious and you've just been getting on with your life – great! – I won't dwell on it," she said.
"The fact that what I wore on Monday attracted obnoxious commentary on Twitter – foul disgusting personal abuse that I couldn't and wouldn't repeat – was upsetting.
"Thanks for all the support, you've all been awesome and some of you pretty funny, [with] some of you suggesting if we all turned up in pyjamas you'd still be fans of the show.
"I am angry though, on this International Women's Day, on behalf of myself, but also on behalf of other women, young women, who see those stories and see someone like me being violently abused day after day for whatever reason bullies can find.
"I worry it might make you think that no progress has been made and that it's not worth it to be a woman in the public arena.
"On this International Women's Day I want to tell you the response over that rubbish yesterday gives me hope.
"We are making progress, and we will make more, and there are so many awesome women who we can all look up to. Let's celebrate them today.
News coverage 'republished abuse', ABC says In a statement released on Tuesday, the ABC says it "regularly receives queries concerning abusive comments being made on social media about presenters and journalists, particularly female ones".
"Under the guise of concern, these stories are republishing abuse," the statement said.
"The ABC is not going to dignify any 'vile comments' being made about a presenter’s clothes by responding to them."
ABC News Director Justin Stevens said the "relentless and vile bullying Lisa Millar is subjected to on social media, particularly Twitter, is unacceptable".
"She is an outstanding broadcaster and journalist and does an incredible job.
Story by Jessica Riga
Original link https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-03-08/lisa-millar-responds-to-social-media-abuse/102066884
Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations
