Matthew Newton has a new job. He’s going to be hosting the big, glossy new family talent show X Factor on Channel 7. It’s been a tumultuous year for Matthew. You can read about that here. With a nearby spot in the Channel 7 car park is someone else who knows a thing or two about tumultuous years and whose name is also Matthew – Matty Johns. You can read about that here.
The high-profile gig represents a huge second chance for the troubled star. His audition was so good that he beat more established TV hosts including Sonia Kruger and Axle Whitehead. Newton’s break comes just two weeks after he finished a one-month stint in rehab.
The 33-year-old, who is engaged to actress Rachael Taylor, had admitted himself to the Malvern Private Hospital, which specialises in drug and alcohol addiction. “I’m extremely honoured to be given this opportunity,” he said. “I’m up for new things and going on a fresh journey. It’s exciting.”
In The X-Factor, showbiz hopefuls perform in front of judges Kyle Sandilands, Natalie Imbruglia, Guy Sebastian and Ronan Keating.
In response to this news, TV critic and commentator Andrew Mercado wrote this piece on his Mercado TV blog yesterday…..
Matthew Newton
“What is happening to the network that was once described as the “heartland” of Australia. What they now think of their audience is anyone’s guess given that the station is chock a block full of bad boys on big pay packets who are being rewarded for their unsavourity indiscretions with higher profile jobs during the family hour.
Disgraced footballer and group sex funny guy Matthew Johns is hosting a self-titled comedy show that isn’t quite a disgrace but isn’t very funny either. Controversial shock jock Kyle Sandilands, who strapped an underage girl to a lie detector to ask about her sex life, is judging on both Australia’s Got Talent and The X Factor.
Only today I joked about Seven hiring another bad boy for The X Factor and a friend said I was cynical. Who’s cynical now? And who could be more perfect than Matthew Newton fresh from rehab after trashing various hotel rooms and a history of domestic violence with Brooke Satchwell.
Matty Johns
It’s such a shame because Seven is one of the nicest networks to watch and work with. But decisions like this make me feel ill at the double standards. I’m not suggesting that Matthew Newton never work in the industry again. He’s admitted to his mistakes and done something about it.
He has proved himself to be a successful actor, director and scriptwriter, particularly with his movie Three Blind Mice. Give him a job on City Homicide (although I’d prefer Seven first hire some of the cast of Hey Dad to prove there’s no hard feelings) . It’s all about timing and is Newton the most suitable choice to host an inspirational talent show for impressionable viewers or the best at getting publicity – good, bad or ugly. “
Right. So what say you? Does everyone deserve a second chance? Are these the guys you want to see hosting shows on commercial TV? Is it different for actors vs hosts because actors play characters and TV hosts play themselves? Are their private lives irrelevant to their hosting gigs? Or are their off-duty shockers great PR for the shows they’re hired to host?
Comments
171 Comments so far
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Disgraced footballer group sex funny guy – love it!! Yep I just don’t understand why he’s employed and did you know he’s just knocked off “Worlds Strictest Parents” for the prime family television slot of 7:30pm. It’s now on at 8:30pm too late for my kids on a school night – mighty annoying!! We love that show and it gives me tips on how to be strict even tho haven’t put any into place as yet but I will!
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Well Mia, maybe everyone doesn’t deserve a second chance as Matthew Newton has proved recently.
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I feel sick every time I see Matthew Johns smiling face so avoid it where possible.
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Firstly, that critic is an idiot.
Matty Johns, didn’t deserve the crap that he went through. At no stage did he actually participate in the sex act, in my opinion, merely observing is no different to watching porn, and i have never viewed watching porn as a terrible act. Some people might argue, how do we know what he did? True, even still, whatever happened was between him and his wife, and if she forgave him, so be it. Lastly, he copped the flack all on his own. Others who actually participated in the act, remained unnamed. I don’t believe he should have every been punished the way that he was.
Secondly, “Kyle Sandilands strapped a 14 year old girl to a lie detector and questioned her” Oh so it was all Kyle on his own was it? The produces, Jackie and more so toeh girls mother had nothing to do with it? The fault there lies completely with the girls mother. The girls mother requested she be strapped to a lie detector, the girls mother KNEW she had been raped and still sat their and quizzed her on her sex life and yet still Kyle took all the blame, didn’t blame anyone else even though nothing was his fault.
The only thing i do agree with him on is Matthew Newton, who can actually be held accountable for what he did. However, he needs an opportunity to start fresh and if a tv hosting role is it, so be it.
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Did you hear what Sandilands said after the rape revelation ?
Have you heard the way he degrades overweight people, the disabled and even his own staff ?
Stop being an apologist for a pig of a man
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I was actually listening to the radio that morning and yes i did hear the whole thing. There was complete silence after the girl made that revelation and it was CLEAR that Kyle was fumbling for words, i admit that i would stumble on my words in that situation. Were you listening to the radio that morning or were you listening to the snippet on A Current Affair?
Additionally, i’m pretty sure if you were to villanise every single person in this world who has ever made a fat joke, a disabled joke or yelled at his/her staff, we would all be going to hell. Remember, he says these things as a form of entertainment and while you may not agree with his formula, you can’t deny the man is successful.
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Well Sharon,if you think Kyle Sandilands “entertainment” is OK, you live in a different universe to me.
I find him repulsive and ugly in his attitude and presentation..
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Actually Sharon, Matthew Johns admitted that he did take part in the sex act on the girl in question, and that he was actually the one who took her back to the room. Maybe you should watch his ACA interview again.
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I dont watch Channel 7 simply because I find all of their presenters incredibly annoying. This latest news has only confirmed my views.
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The major problems is Kyle Sandilands.
Some of the things he’s said on radio are beyond disgusting.
Why is this man allowed to get away with it ?
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in my opinion the matty johns show just confirms that football players get paid too much money and have too much spare time.
i am not surprised that as a whole our country seems to love him. sports stars are heralded as angels who can do no wrong. when they mess up, they get a slap on the wrist, and it seems that any penalties for misbehaviour are worked around ensuring they can still play in friday night’s game. what message is this sending to teenage footy players? no wonder they think they’re god’s gift from a young age…
but i digress. as i said, i’m not surprised. all you need to do is look at k-rudd’s latest budget. millions of dollars put into elite sport? nothing for mental health? yep really seems like the priorities of our country’s decision makers are in the right spot
i could go on but i have to go to my 8:30-6 job and work my butt off for a tiny salary. guess that’s my fault for being an intern psych rather than a foot player
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I agree wholeheartedly. The priorities in this country are at best embarressing, at worst totally screwed.
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To me this is a no brainer.
Matthew Newton has already been given a second chance. And a third chance. And a fourth. Wait, how many hotels has he trashed since being found guilty (but no conviction recorded stupid judge) of a violent physical assault on a woman? Related question – Brooke Satchwell doesnt seem to be raking in the offers quite like Matthew, yet IMO she is a far better actress. Does the industry judge her for being brave and open about what a Newton did to her? NOT COOL.
Matthew Johns. I thought he got a second chance, didnt he – being asked to write columns or report on sports? now he gets a whole show? Are you FREAKING kidding me?!?! For those who think the group rape of the NZ woman was ‘a grey area’ please can i remind you, and maybe you can remind yourselves, your daughters, nieces, etc – Consent is not grey – no means no. The NZ victim received Victims Compensation – that doesnt happen unless they are sure the criminal act occurred. Let me throw out another thing for you, as someone who works in our legal system – do you really think that all guilty people get found guilty in court? Do you think every guilty person even gets charged with the offence? Lets say a big fat no to both.
Kyle Sandilands – the dude is offensive and horrible and a bully, but he keeps getting work offers because of the ratings. People love to hate him. I think he was really inappropriate with the underage girl, but i think he has said a lot worse. One comfort – at least he is just horrid with his words, he hasnt beaten up a woman or raped her, as with the other two. So to me he is in a different category – i dont watch or listen to him, but society seems to love him.
I am not saying this dispassionately as would better get my point across, because it is sooooo damn frustrating to read some of the comments below. Consent to sex is not a grey area! Hitting a woman, even and especially your partner, is not ok, and there is no statute of limitations on that when it comes to society!
Public shaming is a necessary part of justice for the VICTIM and for society. Thats why we have an open court system, where anyone at any time can go sit and watch their Local, District or Supreme Court. People need to account for their actions publicly, and be punished publicly.
PS a further point re Matthew Newton. Brooke said at the time that they were fighting over his drug use which apparently contributed to his violence. He then continues to be out of control, trashing hotel rooms at any opportunity, and now has had only 1 month rehab and is rewarded with a big fat golden goose. The guy clearly needs more help, and certainly cant cry for lack of support. He will crack again – but who will he harm this time?
Thus ends my most emotional post on MM. I just really hate guys who rape and hit women. And I cant stand that large portions of society, nay even some here at MM, say that they deserve more chances and deserve their new money, success, contracts, and being legitimised in the public eye again. Because thats what having them on TV does.
SO angry!
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Here here. You said it so much better than me.
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Well said I agree on all the points, Hate men who beat and assault women and dont understand why society, women even make excuses for them. I also agree about Kyle while I find him annoying, loud and sometimes rude I dont think he fits into the same category as the other two.
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GET RID OF NEWTON CH7!! NOW. PLEASE.
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I’ve been thinking about this myself and it makes me so cranky that these guys have a place on australian TV… surely within our national talent bank we could recruit someone who hasn’t degraded women via various means?
Channel 7 I am personally lowering how much of your programming I watch. I’ve switched off Sunrise, and feel the pull to flick to other stations now because I just can’t support a TV station with management that disregard women in such a way.
Drop Newtown (especially!) and Drop Matty Johns and you will have my love back….
Hope you are listening.
Also to note…. i banned my husband watching the Matty Johns show when it came on air. I gave him a mouthful when he said he was going to watch another footy show.
Blah blah blah.
He doesn’t watch it.
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Matthew Newton I like. Why? Because I like his parents, Bert and Pattie. They are akin to Australian royalty which makes him our Prince Harry: party animal, player and a bit full of himself. But…
Let’s hope he fulfils the prophecy and becomes like his Dad- I’m all for second chances!
And I don’t like Sonia “face-like-a-baby’s-bum” Kruger, or Axel “was-that-my-bum-you-saw” Whitehead. It’s the Newton for me any day.
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Oh please..the Newtons royalty, you have got to be kidding giving them or anyone in TV that title. Matthew can certainly NOT be compared to Prince Harry or the like. The Newtons ar a bunch of self obsessed performers who go beyond the art of acting. They are enteratiners with an eye for the dollar and exposure. Yes Matthew can act (But I can’t help looking at him as that brat actor son of…)..but so can hundreds of out of work actors without the family pull…Sorry I appreciate you have your own opinion here. I just had to respond!
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I can’t believe you hate the Newtons! Everyone who has ever met the Newtons talks about how lovely they are, absolute salt of the earth. “Self-obsessed” performers sounds a bit injudicious to me. Do you suffer from tall poppy syndrome, Anon? I love tall poppies… grow, grow, grow you good things
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I have to say, i have served the newtons multiple times in a retail situation. Bert – Lovely, very very lovely. Patti/ Lauren – not so much. At all. Im being kind here.
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I worry about Matt Newton and his mental stability. If he says he needs help, surely a month in rehab and straight into work can’t be wise. Wouldn’t you be feeling fragile? Wouldn’t you want to take time off to quietly pick up your life rather than jump straight into the spotlight? How long until he has another meltdown? Will he have the stamina to last the entire season – and drug free? Also, if he claims he has mental problems, then I can totally see why he hit Brooke Satchwell. We’ll never know what went on behind closed door, but we all know when an argument gets heated it can potentially get really dirty, and unless you have the self control to back off and cool down, and then express yourself with open communication, then violence is often the result. I’m no shrink and I don’t condone violence (either sex), but I don’t think MN is free from his demons yet.
Matthew Johns: No time for him. He irks me. Enough said.
Kyle: Don’t shoot me, but I’ve always liked him. He tripped on his luck when he made those stupid comments. He crossed the line of decency in the public arena. I guess they’re grooming him to be the Aust version of
Simon Cowell.
Mia, your come-back to Anonymous below was perfect. Your title for this blog says it all. Besides, you are not meant to, nor would you want to be the adjudicator on all topics. I love that you open up the floor for discussion – this is what it’s all about. Regardless of what others think, your pen and your opinion is highly regarded and will polarise us, and it’s not supposed to be about you is it. Kudos to you.
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“If he claims he had mental problems, then I can totally see why he hit Brooke Satchwell.” Wtf? I don’t think abuse can ever be justified; in fact, I’d argue that ANYONE who physically assaulted their partner had “mental problems.”
Nevertheless, I like Kyle too… he looks like an axolotl.
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“Also, if he claims he has mental problems, then I can totally ”
Hmm. I have a history of depression – does that mean I get a “one free hit” card, to be cashed in any time someone pisses me off?
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I knew I’d get this kind of response – and as I said I’m not condoning any kind of violence. But who knows how these minds work when they “snap”. What I’m trying to say is that often times (and I’m generalising here because I’m no expert) during a heated argument and things start to escalate, we can really run them down with our comments and go for the verbal jugular. We all know about the fragility and size of a man’s ego, but for the more unstable ones and particularly those who are emotionally constipated, it wouldn’t take much provocation. I’m really generalising here I know, but I think you get my jist don’t you?
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Just read Edlie’s comments above re: Brooke Satchwell saying Matt hit her after their argument about his excessive drug use. I didn’t know that, and there’s your answer. He definitely needs help, more than a month in re-hab.
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Seems like a big PR stunt to ” create” a noice new family image for Matt newton. This business of tv is so transparent. I don’t support any of the behaviour of these guys and haven’t seen anything that resembles humility & service to the coomunity.
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I’ll try to unpack my thoughts without sounding like a hypocrite:
Matthew Johns, I have no view on because I’m not into footy and don’t find him vaguely entertaining. I also think there is a very grey area around the consensual nature of the incident for which he got into hot water over and only the participants will ever, truly know.
Kyle Sandilands made a living as an enfant terrible and eventually, the public tires of this and expects the person to grow up. Now appears to be that time.
Matthew Newton. Hmm. The issue I have is that a “host” is based on the likeability of the personality. I prefer to watch him through the lens of a character. For some reason, this distance makes viewing him more acceptable. I find myself focussing more on the character, he is a skilled technician, than on him as a person. The “host” role makes me focus on him as a person. I just hope he’s getting some heavy duty therapy or it wont be a matter of if he has a melt-down, but when.
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Since when has Kyle grown up
He is disgusting
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Since when has Kyle grown up
He is disgusting
Yuk
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Point I was trying to make: Australia expects him to grow up and he hasn’t.
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I’m so disappointed in Channel 7 for this decision. I was looking forward to the X Factor this time around but now I won’t be watching. I can’t stand Matthew Newton, he’s a rotter. I didn’t watch the second season of Underbelly because he was involved. And now I miss out on this show as well. I’m sorry but apart from him being a horrible person (see Brooke Satchwell incident as well as hotel incidents) he also creeps me out.
So well done Channel 7, another good show ruined by a rotten egg!
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Im all for forgiveness but i am SO angry that Matthew Newton has been given this gig. WHY?! He is a brat, ungrateful, pain in the a$$! The way he behaved on the today show, when interviewed by Lisa was a fine example of this. As was the numerous hotel trashings and of course the Brooke satchwell case. PUH-LEASE. There are so many bright and talented people out there. Give them a go instead of throwing money at people who have had waaaay too many chances already.
Rant over!
Ps I loved Xfactor UK and am sad to say i wont be tuning in to the aus version until the find a decent host
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I guess the question is: when have people paid enough for their mistakes, or previous attitudes? At what stage do they get a second chance?
To suggest that “never” is the case isn’t conducive to anyone rehabilitating. So is it when responsibility is taken for your actions, and reparations done? Does this need to be done publicly, or is privately enough? Does there need to be a “time out” strategy?
I don’t have the answers, and not much of an opinion on any of the guys being discussed, but for those for whom it is too soon – is there any stage when it would be appropriate?
I just feel that there should be a stage or benchmark where forgiveness of past sins is warranted so that people can get on with their lives.
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For me, this is easy:
Matthew Johns = grub and cheater
Matthew Newton = woman basher
Kyle Sandilands = publicity seeker with no ethics
I don’t watch their programs because they don’t hold the values that are important to me and also because AS A WOMAN I GIVE A SHIT HOW THEY TREAT OTHER WOMEN.
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i love it when you are about to write a comment and someone has said exACtly what you were going to say but more succinctly! i totally agree.
I CARE ABOUT HOW WOMAN ARE TREATED TOO.
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I’m 100% with you! I can only make my stand by tuning out. I haven’t watched Australia’s Got Talent, I no longer watch Two and a Half Men and I won’t be watching X Factor because I think the way the male celebs involved have been known to treat women is shameful. Shame on channel 7.
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Ditto
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You rock Cos!!!
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Totally Agree. Sick of how these men get rewarded for their disgraceful behaviour towards women. Unfortunately just a reflection of how the wider community doesn’t seem to take issues of sexual abuse and domestic violence against women seriously.
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Totally agree. Channel 7 have just given a big fat ugly message to women with these appoinments. Think about it for a while.
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This is a hard one. Technically, I think that they should be chosen based on their talent because they never asked to be role models (and we should choose role models based on character, not fame), but emotionally, I am offended that both Matthews seem to have been rewarded and their indiscretions brushed over very quickly. To be fair, I’m sure Matthew Johns has gone through hell with his family, so it’s not as if he got off scot-free. But him being given his own show still makes me feel like his actions were condoned and/or swept under the carpet and forgotten. It just gives the message that what he did wasn’t so bad, and you can get away with it relatively easily. What lesson does that tell young boys about how you treat women? Sure, you might get a bit of flack IF you get caught, but even that goes away and then you get to make more millions. Small price to pay.
I like what another poster said about the fact that we are intended to relate to the host chosen, so in this case, there’s no chance in hell. Matthew Newton still creeps me out because he hasn’t shown remorse. I doubt that will change.
I guess, if we can’t be famous, we want the good guys to be famous and get rewarded. It annoys me to see bad guys move on SO FAST. Maybe if it was a few years later, I’d feel differently.
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I’m all for second chances in life, but it makes me sick thats it’s only them men getting them. When I see a young woman like Jodi Gordon constantly brought down for one wild night and now struggling for work, while Kyle Sandilans is given a starring role on Seven, then I get angry.
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I agree! It’s such a double standard isn’t it??? And she didn’t hurt anyone but herself by having a “big night”.
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I think a certain ex-boyfriend had a hand in Jodi Gordon’s experience with Channel 7…
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Well said Brenda. Bring on the Rose Porteous revival!
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Matthew Johns is a football player – I don’t think he’s entertaining or funny – I don’t think he should be on TV for those reasons.
I personally think the statute of limitations for roasting Matthew Newton based on the incident involving Brooke Satchwell is way behind us …
People make mistakes … some people make more mistakes than others – some mistakes are more public than others … I make mistakes all the time, so have my parents, so does my child, so do my friends – it’s part of the human condition.
Why is there so much shame associated with fucking up?
So is the issue at hand now with Matt Newtons drug/alcohol problems? really?
Robert Downey Jnr, Robin Williams, Richard Pryor, Sean Penn, Gerard Butler, Matthew Perry, Kate Moss, Nicole Richie, Keifer Sutherland, Charlie Sheen, Russell Crowe, Russell Brand, Lily Allen, Johnny Depp, Joaquin Phoenix, Elton John,Hugh Grant, Eddie Murphy, Kirstie Alley, Michael Jackson, Boy George, Whitney Houston, Melanie Griffith, Christian Slater, James Gandolfini, Mel Gibson, Carrie Fisher … you see where I’m going here? he’s not alone.
Drug and alcohol problems are being dealt with every day, by average/normal people … who are still going to work, who still function in society, who still need to make a living… it’s just not being discussed in public forums, they’re not being shamed in the name of journalism.
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Robert Downey Junior – IMO – best turn-around of all time!
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Don’t forget Rob Lowe – that guy did a great job turning it around too!
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I totally agree with you Steph.
I think people need to make mistakes and learn from their fuck ups – and then be given an opportunity to have a second chance. Not be villified.
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Totally agree, YV.
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TRS, I agree with most of what you have said. I think it’s absolutely imperative to afford people the dignity to make mistakes and to learn from them. I have in the recent past forgiven a person who made some huge mistakes that affected me immensely. The act of forgiveness (but never forgetting)is humbling to both give and receive.
I guess where we differ is moving on from the Brooke Satchwell incident. Without knowing MN personally, if what I saw on the Today interview was a guide, he has chosen to ‘move on’ by denying that it happened. I have worked for many years with DV perpetrators and his comments struck me as those of a man who (a) had committed violence against a woman and (b) who had NOT learned from his mistakes. Thereby exponentially increasing the likelihood of him re-offending. I truly hope that this was a snapshot in time and he has received appropriate treatment and counselling and most importantly, has accepted responsibility for what he did. Men who are perpetrators of DV can change. I have seen it. But it’s an active choice.
What disappoints me is the potential that we have elevated a man who may not believe he has done anything wrong re violence towards a woman, into a position of power and influence where the message that might be sent and received is that it’s OK. And in my opinion, that’s not OK.
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Great point Pixie
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“Why is there so much shame associated with fucking up”… Considering the high levels of domestic violence against women in our society I believe “shame” should always be attached to these actions. Perhaps it is only shame that will stop these men from perpetrating it again.
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Well I won’t be watching the X-Factor because of Matthew Newton. Not because of his dubious past but mainly how he acts when he is interviewed or in a public forum (like a high profile event). From memory I saw him being interviewed somewhere at an event and my first thoughts were “what a complete twat”. I didn’t watch Underbelly 2 either because of Matthew Newton – that character just played up to Matt Newton’s natural arrogance. That said I think Matthew Newton is a talented actor – he was great in Changi – but that was before I knew what a complete twat he was. If Matt Newton just stuck to acting and went on to win an Oscar then kudos to him. But to come out and present a national TV program after his dubious backgroud is arrogance personified. It is almost like rubbing domestic violence victims face in it when you give someone like that a national gig. Women of Australia the Australian TV stations do not care or respect you at all.
Anyway, call me a cynic, but I am not surprised that men like Matthew Newton, Matt Johns, and Kyle Sandilands all get a second chance in a country like Australia. White “blokey” males are still revered in Australian culture and really at the end of the day (yes cliche alert!) they can get away with most things unless they murder or rape someone (and are convicted of it). God forbid if women did any of these things, i.e., like bash a person, ask a 14 year old about her sex life or pressured a young woman into group sex – they would have been shipped overseas.
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well said.
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You said it Jenny, this is the last great roar of the Boofy Aussie Bloke, larrikinism is fine, and fabulous, nothing cracks me up like a cheeky boy. However, I think this says more about the Channel 7 executive than anything else. As an educated guess; perhaps a bunch of blokes, uncertain in their place in the world and their masculinity. Australia is quite backward in western world terms, I think when it comes to male behaviour; anything goes it seems with no repercusstions. Why just today, walking past the utes parked in the TAFE carpark with stickers saying “doilooklikeigiveafuck” and “nofatc*nts” on it, I wonder where else in the world women and lovely men put up with this shit.
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I actually pretty much refuse to watch Channel 7 since “The Matty Johns Show” was announced and Kyle’s judging role was announced. I find it an insult that they think that we have all just “forgotten” about (or “fogiven”) very morally controversial situations that were publicly discussed about these men less than 12 months ago.
Putting minors on air to ask them about sex? Group sex events involving multiple footballers and one young woman? – I havn’t forgotten (or forgiven). So I vote with my feet and my remote.
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A second chance is a beautiful thing, it is not a right, it is a privilege and while these men may ‘deserve’ a second chance, I’m sure there are people out there who would be more deserving of a first chance.
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Great, great point.
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I think Matthew Newton is an extremely talented actor. But I cant quite figure out how he came to mind when they were trying to find an X-Factor host. Throwing a bloody good script his way, I could understand, but X-Factor? Is his situation really that bad that he needs to be given this job to give him some direction, to keep him busy and out of trouble? Of all the roles I could see him being brilliant in, talent-show host was never on the list. Good luck to him though, maybe a bit of family-friendly will do him good.
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Channel Seven is like a whore (either gender), with no dignity or self respect, going after everyone else’s (very) sloppy seconds.
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I can’t warm to Matthew Newton – I think it’s an odd sort of choice really.
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I agree, there’s just something about him. Not a fan. I wouldn’t watch X Factor anyway, but I think they could chosen someone else.
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Channel 7 = trash TV…
It’s a real shame that Channel 7 execs. seem to think there’s some sort of pulling power rating wise by these individuals. I have quite a few shows I watch on this channel, but in saying that, they are serials like ‘Packed to the Rafters’ and ‘City Homicide’ and the US shows like Housewive’s and ‘Criminal Minds’ etc. If these shows weren’t aired from this particular station I would seriously have no reason whatsoever to flick onto it. I see it as the ‘trash’ station. That’s my solution and choice…boycott!
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In short: NO to Matty Johns and YES to Matthew Newton.
Matty Johns is a football player. Or a rugby player. I don’t know. I don’t think we get his show in Perth but I am sure, in fact I know, that there are much more talented comedians who would do a much better show hosting a comedy show than he. I don’t believe in idolising footballers just because they play sport well, and he is definitely somebody who doesn’t deserve to be idolised.
Matthew Newton, on the other hand, is a performer by trade. He is a very talented actor (he can also sing!) Does anybody remember him on Thank God You’re Here? He was excellent – the funniest contestant next to Hamish Blake. Of course, he lost that gig, along with everything else (his radio gig with Akmhal), when the domestic violence incident came to light. I am not condoning domestic violence, but when will the punishment stop? He auditioned for the show – Channel 7 did not seek him out. He was obviously the best person for the job. In fact, I put that he must have been 10 TIMES better than everybody else for Channel 7 to hire him – they would not have taken his casting lightly. Do you think they were unaware of the backlash? Is it a coincidence that they waited until the last possible moment to announce his role, when the auditions started? They could have just hired Sonia and been done with it, but Matthew clearly outshined her tenfold.
In any case – I think that his recent stint in rehab is irrelevant. It is a private matter and I don’t understand why it seems to being lauded as further evidence of his distasteful character.
I don’t believe that there are bad people, just bad deeds. Obviously, all these people you mention Mia – Matthew Johns, Matthew Newton, Tiger Woods, Jesse James – have done awful things. But should they be defined by those things and punished for the rest of their lives? I don’t think so.
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Matty Johns IS actually quite funny – he came up with a bunch of characters that he did skits for on the NRL Footy show.
His show is a footy show type gig, controversy corner mixed with reports and comedy skits. He’s an ex-footy player, he doesn’t play Rugby.
I completely agree that they are people who have done bad things, rather than being bad people. Like I said in another reply on this thread – I’ve had someone close do something really bad recently. Yes what he did was bad but that doesn’t mean that HE is an all round bad person, and I refuse to bar someone because of one action. You can’t make judgements about what people do without knowing what may have led to their brain explosion.
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Oh I didn’t know that Matthew Johns was funny! To be honest, I really don’t know much about him because I’ve never seen the Rugby League (thank you for that education, I never knew there were different types!) version of The Footy Show or his new show. I probably shouldn’t have commented on him at all – I just wanted to make the point about sportspeople, in general, being idolised simply for their sporting talent (from somebody who’s younger brother’s idol is Ben Cousins lol).
I agree with you, and all the commments you have made on this post : ) Life has taught me that you can’t judge a person solely by the things they have done wrong. Everybody deserves a chance to redeem themselves.
Just another thing I wanted to mention – people have said that these guys are being “rewarded” for abusing women. I don’t think that is the case at all. I think they are being cast IN SPITE OF their past. Big difference.
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I actually don’t find Matty Johns funny AT ALL (I totally respect that you do though). I used to hate when I would watch the footy show and he would be in character taking the piss out of some homeless person or someone with mental illness in the street or being a total pig to a woman. It made my guts churn. It was low-brow humour to me, the least intelligent form.
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Yeah SC…The Matty John’s Show is aired in Perth, but after midnight on Thursdays, and I think it’s based on Rugby with a comedic edge. I don’t know for sure, as I haven’t seen it but I’m sure it’s there to compete with Channel 9′s Rugby Footy Show.
Very good comment in regards to Matthew Newtons talent. I quite enjoy him as an actor and you’re right! He does sing and did a BRILLIANT job on TGYH.
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Guys, there is quite a difference between the games and cultures of rugby league (footy) and Rugby. Matty Johns isn’t and has never been a Rugby player. He played Rugby League.
I understand that they probably look quite similar, League is an offshoot of Rugby, but they are really quite different. It really grates with me when footy is called Rugby – its SO not.
Rugby = Wallabies, Western Force, Springboks – They play Rugby in Perth.
Footy = Melbourne Storm, Canberra Raiders, Brisbane Broncos – Eastern States teams, State of Origin etc.
His show is on at 7.30 over here (babow = MasterChef!) and the Channel 9 NRL Footy show is on at 9.30.
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“Footy = Melbourne Storm”
Heh, depends on perspective. Here in Melbourne, ‘footy’ means something else.
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Yeah I know that. My point is that Rugby and Rugby League are quite different. We call AFL AFL here.
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I know, it’s just that when I see big headlines FOOTY SHOW DISGRACE!!, I need to remember that it’s not always Sam Newton or Brendan Fevola who has embarrassed himself.
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Sam Newman?
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My Bad! I did actually mean League as opposed to Union and I should have put that down.
I DO actually know the difference between the different codes, it was my laziness in articulating ‘which’ game of ball playing Matty Johns participated in. Footy is such a broad term especially throughout the different states.
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Maybe there really is no such thing as bad publicity?! I would have thought there would be so many other people more suited for the job than Matthew Newton. I feel bad for Bert & Patti (and Brooke Satchwell) but it does make me wonder if there was anything in his childhood that contributed.
But with Kyle I always wonder how Jacqui gets off scot free?
And with Jesse James & Tiger Woods, while I don’t like cheaters I don’t put them in the same category as someone who has committed domestic violence. Because even though what these men did was selfish, disgusting and hurtful I don’t think it’s the same as physically or emotionally beating someone.
http://www.princesseemma.com/
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Couldn’t have put it into better words than Andrew Mercado. I am so disappointed in the Seven Network re. Kyle and Matthew Newman. Is it now impossible to damage your career? That is good but also very, very bad.
Don’t even get me started on Matty Johns!
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This is why I watch Foxtel.
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Matthew Newton gives me the creeps. He always looks so sleezy and greasy.
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Quite a few Nine executives have moved across to Seven in the past few years (Peter Meakin is one). Maybe they have brought with them this blokey ‘look after your mates’ mentality? Ugh.
I am not against second chances, but none of these guys have shown much remorse!
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That’s a good point. I agree that people deserve second chances and bad deeds don’t necessarily equal bad person but There is never any sign that these offenders are genuinely sorry or understand their actions. Just the trotted out PR lines that ensure they’ll be back in work when the fuss dies down. The message this sends out to young men (that it doesn’t actually matter how these women were treated) is a real worry.
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Matthew Newton HIT HIS GIRLFRIEND. He has never once publicly expressed that he feels he did something wrong. He has said, “It is private” but he has not said “It was unacceptable.”
It wouldn’t matter whether he was in the public eye or not, it is NEVER acceptable to hit a woman. The judge at the time said it would ruin his career (so what if it does? This should not be cause to be lenient in sentencing. I doubt most wife-beaters get lenient sentences for this reason). But it hasn’t ruined his career – he goes from strength to strength.
He might have talent, he might have been to rehab, and we all make mistakes. But most people’s mistakes don’t extend to physical violence toward people they supposedly care about.
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If I hit a bloke, I would completely expect to be hit back. I don’t think there is anything wrong with Matt Newton saying “Its private” and not wanting to talk about it. He’s not saying it is acceptable, he’s just not jumping up and denouncing it. Everyone knows what went down, why rehash it? And why does he need to be a born-again poster boy for domestic violence?
I went through a similar thing recently where everyone else kept carrying on about what had gone on with a particular person. I agree with him – not much he can do about it now, so why dwell on it?
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I can’t stand seeing Matty Johns on TV. I’ve only ever seen a minute or two of his show when channel flicking because I can’t stand that sort of program but just seeing his face on ads is bad enough. He is definately NOT a role model and certainly doesn’t deserve his own show after the way he has acted as a person who gained public status through his professional life.
The pain he put his family through is a disgrace. Sports people need grow up and take responsibility for their actions. They are supposed to be role models for our children.
Even more disturbing is that there are some women who actually chase after these types of guys in sport. Why would you want to be with someone who treats women like that! (and god knows where they’ve been in the sexual exploits…)
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forgot to say that really it’s up to us. If you don’t like what your seeing on TV then turn it off or change channels, don’t just sit there in front of it mindlessly….without the ratings these programs get they probably wouldn’t exist!
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I already don’t watch those programmes.
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They’ve all got one thing in common, to differing degrees they’ve all abused women.
I find Kyle Sandilands the most repugnant, but I’m not really a fan of any of them. At least Matt Newton has talent though, I certainly don’t think the other two do.
I think it’s a shame that men can be so easily forgiven for their errors and women don’t seem to be afforded that luxury (Catherine Deveny for example).
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Okay, at the risk of sound ranty, who the hell is going to watch the Matthew Johns Show? Jeeeeezus.
And I know that the whole celebrity thing is entertaining for some people, but seriously, the X-Factor is a load of wannabes performing in front of has-beens.
Commercial TV has gone insane.
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I think you’ll find that Matty’s show is quite a ratings hit… for those who are fans of League, it’s quite a breath of fresh air.
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Well I watch it and I think it’s quite good. And I’m female!!
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Sorry for the cynicism, but I’m pretty sure there wasn’t an ‘audition’ process. You don’t think Dad had anything to do with it?
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I wonder if Jodi Gordon will be given a second chance? Or is it just a boy thing?
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i was thinking the same thing…
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huh? Isn’t she still on home and away though? What second chance are you talking about?
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…she was fired from home & away after the cocaine/ cowering in the corner night.
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I think everyone is entitled to a second chance. Having said that I firmly believe these people ARE NOT role models and if we continue to hold them up as such we continue to feel had as they fall apart under the pressure. And anyway – TV is full of double standards – witness Karl whatshisname who still has a star job on the Today show despite being appallingly drunk on the job a couple of years ago! I know I would have been sent home and faced some pretty serious disciplinary proceedings if I’d shown up as pickled as he was.
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Bravo Andrew Mercado – you’ve articulated my sentiments perfectly.
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I’m afraid with jobs such as these – hosting family-oriented television shows that regularly enter our personal living space – that it is ALL about public profile. It’s not like they have great sporting talents that can be somehow disconnected from their personal lives. (And even then I have trouble seeing past SERIOUS socially unacceptable behaviour that adversely affects others).
These guys DO put themselves out as people we should connect with, as people we should look to as a ‘certain reference point’. We need to feel some trust in them for their jobs to be considered successful. And I am sorry, but I don’t.
I won’t be watching either Matthew. At a very basic level, I don’t think they have earned public trust. Plenty of people will watch them though, and that’s their call.
And yes Mia – I would like to know what YOU think too??
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Matty Johns and Mathew Newton both had some personal issues.
Kyle Sandilands continually degrades people.
Big difference.
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Hear Hear Mick. Completely agree with you.
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You don’t consider domestic violence and forced group sex to be degrading?
They’re all cut from the same cloth and their treatment of women is just points on the sexist spectrum
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I wasn’t aware that hitting your girlfriend and participating in pack sex that might be characterised as date rape are “personal issues”.
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Wasn’t that girl in NZ there of her own choice? It came out that she was quite proud of what had gone on, didn’t it?
Matt Newton said that when the incident with Brooke Satchwell happened he had been trying to get help for what was going on with him.
Yes Matt Newton hasn’t spoken about it, but neither has Brooke. Or Bert or Patti.
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I’m not sure that it did ever come out that she was proud of what had gone on. According to the ABC Four Corners interview, she had agreed to go back to the hotel room with two players. Once they got back there, there were suddenly ten players involved. She understandably felt intimidated by ten rugby players standing over her. At no point did she consent to sex with eight or ten men. I think we can all see there’s a big difference between two men and eight or ten.
Matt Newton has never expressed any remorse. Only self-justifying statements to the tune that it was a tough time and he was ‘getting help’. No one’s saying it would be easy to speak up and call yourself a domestic abuser but let’s not pretend he did anything but sidestep the issue.
And Brooke did speak up. She spoke to the police and filed charges. That’s a pretty powerful statement in itself. Bert and Patti were not involved in the incident.
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Im pretty sure she was caught bragging about what happened the next day…
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Yeah there were reports that she was bragging about it. That is what I was referring to.
They were NOT Rugby players – they were Rugby League players. Rugby players are quite different culturally. Rugby league players attract some interesting groupies, and they are not real classy.
Yeah Brooke went to the cops, but has said nothing about the incident since, and yet Matt is supposed to? Why?
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Yeah bragging about it, makes the whole incident SO ok then doesnt it?
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Well it means that she was cool with what happened, and totally undermines her “poor me I’m traumatised” nearly 10 years later whining.
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We all have personal issues but it’s how we behave and what we get away with that puts us under scrutiny.Each of these men degraded women. What Matty Johns did was completely degrading and as an idol to many, what kind of example has he set? Matthew Newton and Kyle Sandilands have also degraded women. Whilst I’m all for people getting a second chance I do believe they should earn it. Each of them seems not to be punished but to be rewarded. Where’s the justice for their victims?
Channel 7 is flaunting them as people in the limelight. I can’t stand seeing any of them on the tv.
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I don’t watch commercial TV, and this is only one of the reasons why.
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Suggests to me that Australia/7 network lacks new talent…kinda funny these clowns are working on shows that are trying to find new talent…
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“Jesse James, are you available to host Wheel of Fortune?”
I laughed out loud.
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I won’t be watching the X Factor, not interested at all – and I cannot stand Kyle Sandilands. I haven’t caught much of Matty Johns’ show either, just on when other stuff is on and I don’t bother turning over.
I think there are a LOT of people who just seem to hold grudges! What Matty Johns did was years ago, that was worked through with his wife and family and sorted out, and he’s made a new start in his chosen profession.
Matt Newton has been honest about what has happened with him, sought treatment. I would imagine is still getting help for what has been going on with him as well.
They have both faced the music, personally, professionally and publicly, so why keep carrying on about what has happened with them in the past?
Kyle Sandilands is different, as he is an active part of the media and makes controversial comments and stuff in that capacity. Matt and Matty’s were more personal and should be allowed to get on with things.
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Matt Newton has been honest about his problems with drugs and alcohol, not his domestic abuse of his partner. That’s no great disclosure. Nowadays, you can’t open a magazine without some celebrity crying all over the pages about their rehab. (Unless they’re Kate Moss of course, then they’re labeled as Cocaine Kate). And his ‘openness’ comes about just as he is about to host a new show. Quelle coincidence?!
When we as a society set standards, like “We don’t allow people to hit others” those standards are enforceable, that’s why they’re called a crime. Attempted sexual assault (admittedly disputed) or domestic violence are not ‘personal’ problems, they’re social problems, part of the set of rules that we all agree on as a community.
As long as we have ‘role models’ for young men being given excuses like ‘it was a long time ago’ or ‘it’s personal’ then young men will see by example that it is possible to break the social contract without repercussions. Especially where it involves women and their rights.
If I had experienced domestic violence or sexual assault then I would probably ‘hold a grudge’ too.
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I just don’t understand why there seem to be calls being made for them to go public about the bad stuff that has happened. Matty Johns DID – neither Matt Newton nor Brooke Satchwell (or Bert and Patti or whoever) have commented about their incident, and I don’t think they need to. I really don’t think there is any point in any of them becoming spokespeople for domestic violence. Matt was obviously going through some stuff for a long time (ending up in rehab recently) so why should he be expected to go through it all in the media? The last thing I would want to do is go through it all again with the media picking and choosing what they felt like to mention and not mention and to blow out of proportion or outright lie about.
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The bad stuff didn’t ‘happen’, they were responsible for it or played a part in it. The issue of it being public relates to the fact that they ARE public figures. This related less to Matt Newton when he was just an actor but now especially that he will be playing ‘himself’ as host, and Matt Johns does host a show as himself, footballer, father, comedian (at a stretch) and ultimately, someone once accused of sexual assault. He banks on his everyman ‘she’ll be right’ bloke-y persona. Young men watching his show won’t automatically forget about the last aspect, it is part of his perceived character.
This is not an argument in favour of celebrity muckraking but surely our society is mostly past the point of total separation between someone’s private personality and public persona.
It is interesting that out of all the unethical behaviours that people engage in, many people are quickest to hose down criticisms that involve the home, wives, children, sex. These are still seen as private business and protected as such. We have a short memory when it’s women being hurt. Well, this attitude helps abusers and keeps their victims silent.
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Beautifully said Sassi, my thoughts exactly.
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Totally agree Sassi. There will never be shifts in men’s consciousness regarding the humane treatment of women & children until men begin publicly taking responsibility for their behaviour and this archaic safety net of “it’s private” is removed. Maybe Brooke said no more about the incident because she wanted to continue working in aust tv. Perhaps daddy newton ensured she was gagged with his enormous power & male privilege in the industry. Really kris2040, if u were Brooke would u be spouting off about your relationship with Matt, given Bert’s unbelievable reputation? I doubt it.
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I think that is quite a nasty thing to say about Bert and his perceived power in the industry, silencing Brooke Satchwell. Pretty sure I saw her in an interview saying she wished him no ill will and was going to move on. And she has. So has he. Why can’t others?
I feel like what is being suggested is akin to people wearing signs saying what they did. Matt Newton WAS in public about it, he went to court and had his day. If it was someone you knew who screwed up, would you honestly continue to bust their chops about it? There’s a point when it becomes counterproductive. None of us know the details of what was going on in their relationship or with Matt’s mental health situation. I think its simplistic and archaic to want to carry on about what happened years ago and has been moved on by the parties involved.
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Actually, if I remember correctly, because that story became public Matty Johns lost his job at Channel 9 on the Footy Show. For a while he didn’t know what he was going to do. Then he was offered his own show by Channel 7.
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Yeah, he was. I disagreed with that and I still do.
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I just found out tonight – Rugby players have personal conduct written in to their contracts when they sign on to play. Footy players don’t, it would appear.
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at the end of the day , the tv stations are a business and want to make money, they will hire whoever they think is a drawcard regardless of whether they just had group sex , taken drugs , whatever….as long as it doesnt happen in their carpark, i dont think they care…on the subject of matt johns, well i think he paid his price and even though im not a fan of the guy , you can certainly see that the spark has gone from his eyes….i think he still lives with it every day…however matthew newton has battled some demons and now has received some help…give him a chance to prove himself..im also not a fan of him either although he is a talented actor…i will give him the benefit of the doubt and i hope he has put his brattish ways behind him…..anyone but sonia kruger for the show…