Don Burke Gives Car Crash Defence, As Nine Now Exposed To Potential Staff Class Action
It appears Don Burke’s attempts to explain revelations he was a serial abuser of women has done more harm than good.
Appearing on Channel Nine’s (his former employer) A Current Affair last night, Burke told interviewer Tracy Grimshaw that he was a victim of a social media “witch hunt”.
Burke, 70, did admit to a string of extra-marital affairs during the peak of his national TV fame and blamed undiagnosed Asperger’s syndrome for his behaviour, something that has infuriated actual Asperger’s sufferers.
Following the ACA interview, Autism Awareness Australia tweeted: “Autism Awareness Australia is sickened tonight by Don Burke’s excuse of undiagnosed Aspergers as a reason for his appalling behaviour. What kind of human sinks this low?”
Burke told Grimshaw he had no recollection of the accusations against him, many dating back more than three decades.
“I’m not that man at all,” he said in the ACA interview. “I’ve got a lot of failings. Some of these things are despicable.
“I am happy to say to the people of Australia: this is my story, make up your mind if I’m the most evil person that’s ever lived, that’s your decision.
“If you can forgive me for the stupidity and the other things I have done then I am very grateful, but I think that’s their decision not mine.
“I have looked in the mirror and there’s a lot I don’t like. But that’s up to the people of Australia to decide can they forgive me or not,” Burke said.
On the string of affairs, he added: “I think I’ve got a bit to apologise for to my family and also to the people who supported Burke’s Backyard. There are things I’ve done that I’m not at all proud of.”
Meanwhile, Channel Nine may not escape the whole furore either after revelations senior management at the network turned a blind eye to Burke’s behaviour back in the 90s and fostered a culture of endemic bullying.
The Australian is reporting that Channel Nine could be exposed to a potential class action by Burke’s accusers and could be in serious strife if its found that Nine bosses were in anyway complicit.
The Oz quotes Shine Lawyers defamation special counsel Roger Singh who has said media companies could be in serious strife if they are found to have breached their duty of care to their employees.
Singh said: “You have to be able to demonstrate that there was a breach of duty of care and negligence on the part of the institution … on the basis that it knew, or ought to have known, the propensity of the offender to inflict abuse, but didn’t take appropriate action.”
The problem for Nine could well be comments in the press yesterday from senior Nine figures during Burke’s time with the network that appear to suggest they knew of his predatory behaviour.
The then CEO of Nine, David Leckie, said of Burke: “I’ve been trying to think of Harvey Weinstein-type people [in Australia] and the only one I can ever come up with is Burke. He was a horrible, horrible man.”
While Leckie’s predecessor at Nine, Sam Chisolm, said: “Don Burke was a disgrace because of his behaviour internally and externally” before adding he was a “terrible grub”.
To its credit, Nine has opened a full investigation into the allegations against Burke and encouraged any employee – past or present – to come forward.
In Nine’s defence, Burke’s Backyard was made by Burke’s own production company CTC Productions and not by Nine staff or at Nine’s studios.
In a statement to media yesterday, Nine said: “The allegations are extremely serious; the behaviour described is completely unacceptable and would not be tolerated at Nine today.
“Nine has zero tolerance of sexual harassment and workplace bullying and no employee should be subjected to this kind of behaviour. Everyone is entitled to come to work confident that our workplace is safe, free from harassment and unacceptable behaviour will be dealt with effectively.”
Latest News
Australian Retailers – How Can You Stand Out From The Pack On Social?
At Zavy, we track the movings and shakings of brands across a range of industries on our social scoreboards. We want to see brands use social media as a space for real brand building and connecting with people – after all, that’s what it was created for. In their ground-breaking advertising report, The Long and […]
Chobani Unveils New Brand Campaign Via Cummins&Partners
Cummins&Partners has redefined what the next decade will look like for Chobani in its new brand campaign Food Made Good. Building on the four years of partnership between Cummins&Partners and Chobani, this campaign was born through strategic leadership to uncover the truth at the core of the brand and bring it to life through a […]
me&u Appoints Clementine Churchill To Head Of Marketing
me&u, Australia’s first and leading mobile ordering and payment platform, has appointed Clementine Churchill as Head of Marketing as they continue to drive rapid growth and expansion in Australia and new international markets. A highly experienced marketing leader and recognised industry thought leader, Churchill joins me&u from My Muscle Chef, one of Australia’s top rated […]
MILO Asks Fans To Compete To Win #TheMILOCup In New Campaign Via Ogilvy
MILO is on the search for Australia’s best made MILO, calling on fans to share their creations for the chance to win #TheMILOCup, via Ogilvy Sydney. This integrated campaign follows on from the success of last year’s ‘Hot v Cold’ campaign, which encouraged Aussies to settle the debate on whether MILO is best enjoyed hot […]
New ANZ Research Shows That LGBTQ+ Visual Representation Relies On Stereotypes
New research from Getty Images, a world leader in visual communications, has found that LGBTQ+ representation in ANZ remains low and stereotypical. It’s 2021 – this needs to change – especially in marketing and advertising. In partnership with GLAAD, the LGBTQ+ media advocacy organisation, Getty Images has launched a full-spectrum Guidebook in direct response to […]
Nikki Warburton Departs Audi Australia After Three Years Spent Embracing Vorsprung Durch Technik
Audi CMO Nikki Warburton has left the business. Sadly, didn't receive Sound Of Music on Blu-ray as departing gift.
Lego Announces Plans To Start Making Bricks From Old Drink Bottles
Once again the Scandinavians proving they're on it when it comes to the environment, DIY furniture & adult erotica.
NESCAFÉ Says ‘Now’s Good’ In New Work Via Saatchi & Saatchi
As any visitor to the B&T office knows, you'll get a NESCAFÉ, a Scotch finger & a rendition of Cher's "Turn Back Time".
Craig McLachlan Accused Of Groping Another Woman
Surely, serious concerns should've been raised about Craig McLachlan's behaviour when he recorded "Mona" back in 1990?
REMINDER: Entries For B&T’s Best Of The Best Awards Close Tomorrow!
Has a colleague recently won a 'I look like my cat' competition? That's the temerity required to win a Best of the Best.
More Heat For Coke’s Customisation Tool As It Bans ‘Palestine’, ‘Black Lives Matter’ And ‘Mohammed’, But Not ‘White Pride’
Coke's week from hell continues apace! However, it's primed & ready to remind Pepsi of its own 'Kendall Jenner' episode.
“You Cannot Be Serious!” New Campaign Shows Wimbledon Is A Global Force
Wimbledon kicks off NEXT Monday with high hopes the Aussie male contingent will completely embarrass us all as usual.
Marks & Spencer Confronts Traditional Classifications Of ‘Nude’ In New Underwear Range
If Marks & Spencer excels at anything it's quality underpants, Christmas puddings & white nostalgic British imperalism.
Oasis Still Flogging Back Catalogue In Schmaltzy Outing For Bank Ad
B&T says crank this Oasis-led bank ad up to full volume. At least until a colleague says "turn that f@cking shit down".
Dir David Attenborough’s Life Stories Launches On LiSTNR
Natural historian Sir David Attenborough is one of the most commanding and respected storytellers in the world and now the iconic series, David Attenborough Life Stories, is available on LiSTNR as part of SCA’s recently announced partnership with the BBC. David Attenborough Life Stories is a series of talks on the natural histories of creatures and […]
Menulog Makes Key Marketing Promotions
Menulog has doubled down on its marketing support for restaurant partners, with the promotion of Senior Marketing Manager, Rami Tamer, to a newly created role of ‘Head of Partner Marketing’, as well as the promotion of former-Blue 449 Performance Manager, Jaryd Buggins. In the new Head of Partner Marketing role, Rami will lead a team […]
Barry Drinkwater Leaves ARN Brisbane After 28 Years, Will Hand Over Reins To Alisson Longhurst
ARN has announced Barry Drinkwater will be handing over his content director reins at 97.3FM and 4KQ to respected radio executive, Alisson Longhurst. Drinkwater has had a stellar career in radio spanning more than four decades, and was acknowledged as one of Australia’s Top 20 Content Directors by Radio Today in 2020. He began his radio career […]
Why Pissed Off Customers Can Be A Brand’s Biggest Fan
Do your customers hate your guts? Don't send them faecal matter in the post says this pro, rather harness their power.
The Big Issue Celebrates 25th Anniversary With New Campaign, ’25 Years Big’, Via Town Square And Carat
Australia’s largest social enterprise is turning 25. On the anniversary of Australia’s first Big Issue magazine being sold on the steps of Melbourne’s Flinders Street Station in June 1996, Town Square has created a campaign to mark the occasion. 25 Years Big is a celebratory statement of pride, rendered in the iconic Big Issue logo […]
Australian Radio Industry Joins Global Working Group On Android Automotive
The Australian commercial radio industry has joined a global working group of broadcasters, carmakers and tech experts collaborating on the innovation of radio in Android Automotive. Android Automotive is Google’s infotainment operating system which is being built into new connected cars. Industry body Commercial Radio Australia is part of the working group, led by the […]
“Man Of The Year!” Vox-Popped Pensioner’s Heartwarming Views On Immigration Becomes Viral Smash
B&T has chosen to lead with these delightful, life-affirming words of wisdom. And let's be honest, we hate that shit.
SBS Appoints Head And Commissioning Editor Of Scripted, Boosting Drama Team
Want to feign being smarter than you really are? Well, you could watch SBS or listen to Radiohead's earlier stuff.
Amy Shark, Delta Goodrem And Guy Sebastian To Guest Host iHeart Radio’s TikTok Trending
iHeart Radio wheels out Oz music royaty in Amy, Delta & Guy. Yes, Guy's arguably more the 'Prince Andrew' of the three.
Triple M’s No Talk Day Returns To Inspire Conversation Around Men’s Mental Health
For the third consecutive year, Triple M’s No Talk Day will return on Thursday July 1 to raise awareness around men’s mental health and encourage courageous conversations on Triple M’s 45 stations across the country with support from partner Beyond Blue. From 6:00am – 6:00pm on July 1, Triple M is encouraging listeners to clear […]
Wednesday TV Wrap: With No Hard Quiz, Travel Guides Easily Wins Non-News Programming
Other than naked squash or having your privates waxed, is there anything better on a Wednesday than a night of telly?
Thrive PR Wins SodaStream Account
The farting in the Thrive PR office rises expodentially after the agency snares the SodaStream business.
72andSunny Sydney Promotes Ross Berthinussen To President Following Chris Kay’s Shock Exit
72andSunny Sydney promotes Ross Berthinussen. Again, confirms it has no plans to revert to Celsius.
Rebounding Ad Industry Sees Google Jump Up Most Valuable Brand Ranks
The latest global brand rankings are in & B&T can confirm they come with about as much shock as licking an AAA battery.
Taiwan Receives First-Ever Grand Prix In Cannes Lions Live Day Three, While Lil Nas X, Fortnite & Tinder Win Big
It's all the news from Cannes while you were sleeping, unless you're an insomniac. Then you probably know it already.
62% Of Shoppers Doing Most Of Their Purchases Online: BigCommerce And PayPal Report
Consumer shifts in how and where people buy products evolved significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic, creating new opportunities for retailers to use new channels, fulfilment strategies and payment options, according to the results of a new survey out today from BigCommerce and PayPal. While a majority of the 3,000 consumers surveyed from the United States, United Kingdom […]
