Alan Jones says ‘misogynistic rant’ against Jacinda Ardern was misinterpreted

Controversial radio host Alan Jones has been forced to explain his “misogynistic rant” against New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, in which he branded the leader a “complete clown” and demanded Scott Morrison “shove a sock down her throat”.

The 2GB presenter came under fire on Thursday for his attack against Ardern after she criticised Morrison’s stance on climate change at this year’s Pacific Island Forum and said Australia would have to “answer to” the rest of the Pacific. Jones openly called New Zealand’s leader a joke and “utter light-weight” and claimed Morrison should “shove a sock down her throat”.

However, hours later the 78-year-old back peddled on his initial statement after receiving a flurry of hate from listeners to his program. Taking to social media on Thursday afternoon, Jones said his words were misinterpreted and he didn’t wish any harm on Ardern.

“I note some concern about my comment this morning re New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern and her remarks and preaching about climate change,” he wrote on Facebook. “Of course what I meant to say was that Scott Morrison should tell Ms Ardern to ‘put a sock in it’.”

He continued: “There are many people who would relish the opportunity to misinterpret things that I have said as we have seen online this afternoon. Of course I would not wish to harm Jacinda Ardern. This wilful misinterpretation distracts from my point that she was wrong about climate change and wrong about Australia’s contribution to carbon dioxide levels.”

Of those who were offended by Jones’ comments was former Australian prime minister Malcolm Turnbull who vented his outrage over the radio hosts’s words on social media.

Taking to Twitter shortly after hearing the rant at Ardern the previous Liberal leader called on Jones to say sorry to New Zealand’s PM for his words comments, calling it a “misogynistic rant”

“Jones should also apologise for his latest misogynistic rant,” he wrote on Twitter. “When I announced Australia’s Pacific Step Up in 2016 climate action was a key priority. It may be political to some but it’s existential in the Pacific.”

Well said Frank. Jones should also apologise to @jacindaardern for his latest misogynistic rant. When I announced Australia’s Pacific Step Up in 2016 climate action was a key priority. It may be political to some, but it’s existential in the Pacific. https://t.co/f3OGxvp01N

— Malcolm Turnbull (@TurnbullMalcolm) August 15, 2019

Turnbull’s post was in response to Fiji’s Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama who had slammed Jones for his comment and claimed he should step up and try speaking about the effects of climate change to those who have been impacted.

“Easy to tell someone to shove a sock down a throat when you’re sitting in the comfort of a studio,” he wrote on Twitter. “The people of the Pacific, forced to abandon their homes due to climate change, don’t have that luxury. Try saying it to a Tuvaluan child pleading for help.”

Meanwhile, Morrison told reporters according to multiple publications that Jones’ comments were “way out of line” and “very disappointing”.

The debate was first sparked by Ardern who made some pointed comments at Australia and Prime Minister Scott Morrison at the Pacific Island Forum.

Jacinda Ardern has firmly put Scott Morrison in his place, as the New Zealand Prime Minister spelt out what she thinks Australia should do about climate change. #9News pic.twitter.com/lZs4ENbUiD

— 9News Queensland (@9NewsQueensland) August 14, 2019

“Every single little bit matters. So that is why New Zealand has joined that international call. That is why we speak, I believe strongly on the international stage around these issues,” she said to reporters in a video shared by Nine News online. “But ultimately we all have to take responsibility for ourselves … Australia has to answer to the Pacific. That is a matter for them.”