Key facts
- Gina Rinehart has threatened the ABC with legal action over offensive comments aired on the "Race Around the World" program.
- The segment included crude remarks about Rinehart, such as mixing her guts into a sausage roll.
- Hancock Prospecting demanded the immediate removal of the segment, a public apology, and a comprehensive investigation.
- Legal letters have been sent to ABC's chair, deputy chair, and managing director.
- The ABC confirmed receipt of the legal letters and stated it will respond in due course.
- The filmmaker, Kate McGuinness, has apologized, describing her work as satirical.
- The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) will await the ABC's internal review before taking action.
Mining magnate Gina Rinehart has threatened the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) with legal action over crude and offensive comments made in a segment aired on the "Race Around the World" program on July 12. The four-minute film, titled "A Very Relaxing Video," featured filmmaker Kate McGuinness making a graphic joke about Rinehart's anatomy and guts.
Hancock Prospecting, representing Rinehart, stated it first wrote to the ABC board on July 23, demanding the immediate removal of the segment from all platforms, a public apology, and a comprehensive investigation into its approval. The company noted that a week had passed with no substantive response from the ABC's board or senior management, despite widespread public condemnation and the serious risks posed by the material.
Legal letters have since been sent to ABC's chair Kim Williams, deputy chair Lisa Caffery, and managing director Hugh Marks, formally placing them on notice for alleged serious contraventions of Australian criminal and civil laws. News24 reported that Rinehart had "launched legal action" against the ABC and several executives.
A spokesperson for the ABC confirmed receipt of the legal correspondence and stated that the broadcaster would respond in due course. The ABC also noted that the ABC Ombudsman is independently reviewing audience complaints related to the episode.
McGuinness issued an apology, describing her writing as satirical and cartoonish, and stating it was never intended to be taken literally. Pressure has been mounting on the ABC to respond, with Western Australian premier Roger Cook calling the skit "unacceptable."
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) indicated it would wait for the results of the ABC's internal processes before deciding on any next steps, as national broadcasters are given the first opportunity to respond to complaints.