Well, this is awkward and/or deeply offensive.
A New Zealand television presenter has come under fire for calling women “heifers” and “a bunch of lardos” while on air.
Newstalk ZB presenter Rachel Smalley thought that her microphone was switched off when she made the comments, during a story about the fact that the morning after pill is less effective for women who weigh over 70 kgs. The segment was discussing the fact that the average weight of women in New Zealand is 72 kgs.
As the segment cut to an ad, Smalley’s comments could be heard underneath.
“The average woman is 72kg. Heifers…” she said. “… Lardos, bunch of lardos.”
Shortly after, Smalley apologised for her comments.
“I deeply regret the comments. They were offensive,” Smalley said. “I left my microphone on and a conversation meant for off-air, went on-air and the audience only heard one side of that conversation.”
Although this may seem like Smalley is apologising because she was caught out – and not because she said it in the first place – she did also acknowledge her comments were offensive, when she continued: “That said, my comments were offensive. I’m sorry. It was a genuine mistake.”
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Top Comments
She's not sorry she said it, she's sorry she didn't turn her microphone off.
Just because it's the average doesn't mean it should be. Australia definitely has an obesity problem which leads to a number of health issues.
You know what, I weigh more than 70kgs but am above average height so my BMI is well below overweight... but I still found her comment incredibly hurtful and offensive. It doesn't matter if 70kgs is not the ideal weight for the average height woman. It's a nasty, judgemental thing to say.