Sunrise reporter Edwina Bartholomew has been hit with a $20,000 fine and ordered to apologise over her controversial tweet about Nine reporter Seb Costello.
The tweet – which B&T can’t reproduce in full – related to Nine journalist Seb Costello and read: “Surprisingly articulate for a [censored].”
Initially, it was reported that Seven bosses thought the whole thing a joke, but it appears it was clearly a pricey gag.
At the time it was reported Bartholomew’s tweet was intended for a friend only and not for the wider public. Bartholomew has 60,000 Twitter followers.
Bartholomew has now apologised for her tweet and according to the Daily Telegraph, has been ordered to pay Costello $20,000 in compensation.
On 14/9 I made a statement on Twitter about @sebcostello9. While I won’t repeat it, what I said about him was false, hurtful and completely inappropriate . I unreservedly apologise to Seb and his family for the hurt and offence my words caused.
— Edwina Bartholomew (@edwina_b) October 25, 2019
In a statement to news.com.au Costello said he appreciated Bartholomew’s apology but said that he now wants to move on.
“I appreciate the apology has happened and now want to move on from this incident and leave it behind me,” he said.
“It has been a difficult time for my family and I. I’m grateful for their support and that of my colleagues at Nine.”
