Content Warning: This article about Georgia Love contains allegations of racist behaviour. If you or someone you know is affected by the following story, you are not alone. To speak to someone, you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Former Bachelorette and popular news reporter Georgia Love has been pulled off the air by Channel 7 following backlash over a controversial social media post.
“We were disappointed by a social media post this week by one of our friends of the Chadstone brand and, as a result, we issued notice to end our contract with Georgia,” Channel 7 announced in a statement.
The post in question was a video that Georgia posted to Instagram of a cat sitting inside an Asian restaurant.
“Shop attendant or lunch?” She captioned the post.
The post received a negative response from social media users almost immediately. Many criticised her for appearing to perpetuate racist stereotypes about Asian people. She was also accused of ‘casual racism’ by social media users, as well as by some prominent Australian media personalities, including Masterchef judge Melissa Leong.
Shortly after, Love deleted the post and issued an apology, however, it seems as though the damage was already done.
“We have addressed this matter internally and disciplinary action has been taken,” a Channel Seven spokesperson told Daily Mail.
‘Seven does not condone this inappropriate conduct and all of our staff have the right to work in a safe, nurturing workplace free from prejudice.’
Prior to the announcement of the termination of Love’s contract, another discriminatory post was uncovered by Instagram account @aussieinfluenceropinions. This post was published in 2013 by Love and showed a shop front with an “Animal Hospital” and a restaurant called “China Chef” next to each other. Underneath the photo, Love posted a picture of a dog saying, “that’s suspicious”.
According to the @aussieinfluenceropinions Love deleted the post, “roughly 5 minutes after I shared to my story”. But, because the internet is the internet, there are screenshots aplenty of the preexisting post.
In light of her questionable social media action, Channel 7 isn’t the only business that’s cut ties with Love. Chadstone Shopping Centre in Sydney has also dumped her as an ambassador.
“We were disappointed by a social media post this week by one of our friends of the Chadstone brand and, as a result, we issued notice to end our contract with Georgia,” the centre said in a statement released today.
“We always support diversity and welcome a range of customers and retailers every day, without prejudice or discrimination, as we work to ensure our centre is a safe and inclusive place for our community to come together.”
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