The intersection between money, sport, power, sex and business is a pesky one, isn’t it?
Just ask the AFL this week, who, knowing the power of a scandal and the public’s innate curiosity with the players in one, pre-empted a tenacious media that would latch onto a story about two high-profile executives having “inappropriate” relationships with young female staffers.
AFL Chief Executive Gillon McLachlan held a press conference, announced the resignations of both AFL football manager Simon Lethlean and commercial boss Richard Simkiss and a story that had quiet legs within the organisation sensationally burst into public discourse.
“People have made two significant mistakes and have been held to account,” McLachlan told reporters.
“I think we are being clear about what we stand for as an organisation and the two men have taken accountability for their actions in a way that I think is commendable.”
McLachlan was careful but clear. This was about the AFL, Lethlean and Simkiss. This was about professionalism and respect within an organisation – and industry – which has been occasionally accused of lacking both. This was about the AFL’s reputation, a reputation McLachlan has painstakingly worked on, and this was about men with responsibility held accountable for their irresponsibility. This was about families, too.
This wasn’t about women.
And yet, a day on, it’s all about the women. Where they’re holidaying, who they’re currently dating, whether they’re on leave, their future in the industry.
Their faces are populating mainstream sites, their social media accounts ransacked for the juiciest photos.
I work in the media, I consume the media. I’m well-versed in our inherent curiosity in the faceless women alluded to but not focused on. I understand the idea that sometimes a hint ignites greater hunger.
Top Comments
I agree. We shouldn't know anything about the women. Unfortunately, lots of people will want to know who they are and what they look like. And the media will have to oblige.
Can i just ask about "their social media accounts ransacked for the juiciest photos". Are media outlets fully entitled to go through someone's social media photos, and then publish them without permission or even notice? Along with ethical and legal issues, what if there's a mistake? (As has happened with non-white people.)
Have to disagree here. At least one of the women involved in the story is a major player for the story, hence why her name is mentioned. She too worked at the AFL, she had a high profile partner (whom she was unfaithful to), and she was willingly having an affair with a married man - hoping he'd leave his pregnant partner.
The biggest double standard appears to be that the men, only, involved have had to stand down from their employment.