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When Australian TV legend Bert Newton appeared on stage at the Logie Awards, his speech gaineda lotof attention.

The 79-year-old presented the Graham Kennedy Award for most popular new talent to Dilruk Jayasinha – but it was Newton’s comments about the late entertainer Kennedy that stunned social media.

Speaking about his long career in entertainment, Newton made a reference to Kennedy and talk-show host Don Lane mentoring young talent ‘behind closed doors’ – a comment which had many Twitter users questioning whether Newton was possibly suggesting Kennedy was a sexual predator.

Hughesy: “I’ve made the entire room feel awkward by saying I love Don Burke!” Bert Newton: “Hold my beer, I’ve got a story about Graham Kennedy mentoring young talent in his dressing room…” #Logies2018

— Petra Starke (@petstarr) July 1, 2018

Bert Newton is a legend so it’s seems churlish to be critical but his Graham Kennedy “joke” was odd and jarring, particularly in the context of presenting an award in Kennedy’s name. #Logies #logies2018

— Michael Byrnes (@MichaelByrnes) July 1, 2018

When Bert Newton leaves the stage, will someone explain to him about the #metoo movement? Making jokes about “mentoring behind closed dressing room doors” is not funny #Logies2018

— Andrew Mercado (@andrewmercado) July 1, 2018

That Bert Newton bit was in bad taste, contained a homophobia slur and was just self-indulgent and unfunny. Hope this is the last time we see him #logies

— Kirk Corner (@kirkcorner) July 1, 2018

Newton also raised eyebrows when referred to himself as an ‘old p**f’, which some people claimed was homophobic.

That Bert Newton bit was in bad taste, contained a homophobia slur and was just self-indulgent and unfunny. Hope this is the last time we see him #logies

— Kirk Corner (@kirkcorner) July 1, 2018

Although Newton received some negative attention for his interesting comments, it was clear that he’s still a well-loved figure.

There is only one Bert Newton, so good to see him at the #Logies

— Carla Wiese-Smith (@Carla_WS) July 1, 2018

I love Bert Newton with all my heart

— Georgie Slater (@georgieslats) July 1, 2018

Lovely moment: then and now. Bert Newton reflects on Graham Kennedy. #TVWeekLogies pic.twitter.com/W51iBVS0BV

— ᴍɪᴄʜᴀᴇʟ ɪᴅᴀᴛᴏ (@michaelidato) July 1, 2018

How awesome is it to see #bertnewton presenting an award at the #Logies. Always loved watching him on GMA ????

— Scheherazade (@Scheherezade_H) July 1, 2018

According to The Sydney Morning Herald, Newton responded to criticism shortly after presenting the Graham Kennedy award, saying his comments about Kennedy were “innocent”.

“It was totally innocent as far as I’m concerned… everything these days is jumped upon,” he reportedly said.

Newton has been a part of the Logie awards since they first started in 1959.

Throughout his television career, Newton received four Gold Logies and was inducted into the Logies Hall of Fame in 1988.