News

‘Check out my video’ Kevin Rudd tweets ABC journo

Apr 11, 2017

Former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has pointed people to his swearing video blooper in defence of ABC journo Natasha Exelby. Source: YouTube

The controversy over ABC journo Natasha Exelby’s on-air blooper has prompted every man and his dog to have their say – including former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.

Rudd took to Twitter to express his support for Exelby last night, following news reports she had been taken off air by the ABC as a result of her blooper.

In his tweet to the ABC journo, he reminded everyone of one of his most famous bloopers.

“Don’t worry Natasha Exelby. Just a flesh wound,” he wrote.

“Check out my swearing video if you want a serious blooper. Australia wants you back on air.”

Don't worry @NatashaExelby. Just a flesh wound. Check out my swearing video if you want a serious #blooper. Australia wants you back on air. pic.twitter.com/RSDTgR1X3U

— Office of Kevin Rudd, 26th PM of Australia (@MrKRudd) April 11, 2017

Of course, you probably remember Rudd’s hilarious swearing video, which was leaked in 2012 when it was rumoured he was trying to oust Julia Gillard.

If not, watch it again below and laugh all over again!

At least Rudd can have a laugh at himself!

Meanwhile, there is good news for Exelby, with the ABC declaring it hasn’t fired her over the incident.

Despite media reports yesterday, the ABC says she hasn’t been fired or axed.

ABC’s Director of News Gaven Morris released a statement today saying that Exelby would “be subject to normal performance management”, the Australian reports.

“We take on-air standards extremely seriously, but we don’t expect perfection. No one would ever be punished for a blooper and, while it isn’t appropriate to publicly discuss confidential details of people’s personal work arrangements, this has not happened to Natasha,” he said.

“Media reports that Natasha has been ‘banned’, ‘barred’ or ‘fired’ are untrue. Natasha is a freelance journalist who works as a contributor. She has been rostered for various shifts and has been assured since yesterday that we want that to continue.”