A television discussion on the date of Australia Day debate has descended into claims of racism and personal insults, with the showdown causing hot debate among viewers over who was in the wrong.
Kerri-Anne Kennerley and Yumi Stynes traded insults on Studio 10 this morning in a heated panel discussion over recent Invasion Day protests.
Kennerley started by suggesting those who protested against the celebration of Australia Day on January 26 should consider helping indigenous Australians instead.
“Has any single one of those 5000 people waving flags saying how inappropriate the day is... been out to the outback where children, babies, five-year-olds are being raped, their mothers are being raped, their sisters are being raped, they get no education. What have you done?” Kenneley asked.
Her comments were immediately met with outrage from fellow panellist Stynes, who hit back with claims her co-presenter was racist, sparking a heated to-and-fro between the pair.
“I’m offended by that, Yumi,” Kenneley said.
“Well keep going then because every time your open your mouth you’re sounding racist,” Stynes hit back.
Host Sarah Harris tried to calm the pair, encouraging them to “take it back a notch” but her attempts did little to diffuse the situation.
“Just because I have a point of view, Yumi, doesn’t mean I’m racist,” Kenneley hit back.
“Yeah, you’re actually connecting rape, child abuse and drawing a straight line,” Stynes said.
“By that statement you’re also implying that those 5000 protesters none of whom you know personally are all lazy and idle and ignorant. You’re asking whether any of them have ever done anything as if it’s clear that they haven’t.”
The audience reacted with applause and yells as Kennerley sensationally ended the debate by telling the bespectacled Stynes to “get new glasses”.
Much like new Channel 9 presenter Brooke Boney’s sensational on-air spray about the date of Australia Day, the debate has caused a stir among viewers.
Many sided with Stynes and applauded her for calling Kennerley up on her comments and some even called for the veteran to lose her job over her remarks.
“Outstanding (Yumi) and great courage. Why do the ultra privileged not see their contribution could be to just listen and seek to understand,” one Twitter user said.
“Channel Ten and Kenneally better apologise because ill be taking this further tomorrow. I don’t want to see her on TV ever again for a start. #BanKenneally (sic),” another said.
While some agreed with Kennerley’s argument.
“Kerri-Ann Is 100% right! I’ve seen it and sadly experienced it living in Halls Creek WA,” another said.
Meanwhile, others had plenty to say about the debate itself.
“Pity this couldn't have been handled like a proper debate,” wrote one social media user.
“The best debate Studio 10 has had in 18 mnths. Bravo,” wrote another.
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