Kerri-Anne Kennerley’s controversial “speed bumps” comments generate official complaints
Comments made by Studio 10 host Kerri-Anne Kennerley have landed her in hot water, as official complaints have been lodged to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).
In a statement to Yahoo Lifestyle, the media authority confirmed that complaints were made over Kennerley’s comments on the Extinction Rebellion protesters.
Her comments suggested that protestors be used as “speed bumps” as well as being left in jail without food.
“The ACMA has received four complaints regarding the comments made by Ms Kennerley regarding Extinction Rebellion protesters,” a spokesperson told Yahoo Lifestyle.
The comments made by Kennerley were part of a panel discussion over the arrest of protesters who are disrupting traffic as part of the week long “Spring Rebellion” climate change protests.
“Personally, I would leave them all super glued to wherever they do it,” Kennerley said, adding that emergency services should not be aiding the protesters.
“No emergency services should help them, nobody should do anything, and you just put little witches hats around them, or use them as a speed bump.”
Despite Sarah Harris, another Studio 10 co-host saying that Kennerley’s comments were going to get them into trouble, she did not hold back.
“Put them in jail, forget to feed them,” Kennerley continued.
“(Or) some of the aged care homes around Australia, that would really sort them out.”
However, in a statement obtained by Junkee, Channel 10 have stood by Kennerley’s comments, saying that they were “in jest”.
“This morning on Studio 10 Kerri-Anne Kennerley made comments regarding climate protesters that were said in jest. Before the show concluded, Sarah Harris reiterated the tone of her remarks, affirming that Kerri-Anne wasn’t inciting violence.
“Kerri-Anne confirmed that she was indeed speaking in hyperbole and her words were clearly a joke. There was no intent to cause offence. Over the past few days, Studio 10 has extensively addressed a range of opinions on this subject.”
ACMA refers complaints to the broadcasters initially, and will only take action if after 60 days, no response has been issued from the broadcaster. ACMA can also move forward with complaints if they are not satisfied with the response.