NZ radio hosts slammed for ‘victim blaming’

Staff Writer

NZ RadioLive host Willie Jackson has apologised for an interview he and co-host John Tamihere conducted yesterday with a friend of an alleged victim of the Roast Busters group.

They have both been slammed for victim blaming and supporting rape culture.

Here's the main part of the interview :-
https://radiotoday.com.au/music/NZAmy.mp3
or hear it here

On today's show, Jackson said that they "absolutely don't condone the actions of the Roast Busters" and were "simply trying to discuss complex issues."

Willie & JT

"We have no problems apologising to Amy for causing offence. Not a problem at all. We thought we were sensitive yesterday, maybe we could have done a better job.

"We've got the utmost respect for Amy for speaking out about her experience, it was an incredibly brave interview."

Stuff.co.nz have reported that comments on the RadioLive site were closed after 41 comments vented their anger at the hosts.

Comments included :-

"That was the most repugnant thing I've heard in a long time. If you want to know why women often don't report rape, it's right there in Willie & JT's attitude."

"Disgusting and highly socially irresponsible" and a "blatant support of rape culture by Willie Jackson and John Tamihere".

"I am sick of hearing broadcasters advocate victim shaming and victim blaming for sexual assault. Rape has nothing to do with age, gender, race, or whether the victim was wearing tight clothing, drinking, out past their curfew, or thought their rapist was attractive before they raped them," Hazel Usmar commented.

"These girls are still children, they are too scared to come forward and with the attitude and blame throwing the presenter has shown in this interview, no wonder they are too scared," Kelly Johns said.

"Willie Jackson and John Tamihere need to lose their jobs over this. Their remarks were completely unacceptable and showed just how unintelligent they really are. Willie Jackson, John Tamihere and the team at radiolive – you disgust me," Penny Baines posted.

In a statement from MediaWorks yesterday, they said:

"As was made clear many times during today's show we in no way condone the reprehensible actions of the 'Roast Busters'.

"Today's show asked why after two years there had not been a vigorous police investigation, and sought to understand better why no complaints have been laid.

"Many callers with first-hand experience phoned to talk about their experiences and we were really amazed by their honesty and ease when talking about a very sensitive subject."

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