Patrick Delaney, the CEO of Foxtel, has issued an “unreserved” apology following the emergence of a photograph showing him performing a Nazi salute.
The image, which surfaced recently, has drawn widespread condemnation and sparked a discussion about racism and antisemitism in Australia.
Delaney apologizes and explains context
In an email to Foxtel staff, Delaney expressed deep regret, stating that regardless of the context, the act was offensive.
He clarified that the gesture was intended to mimic a pose made by fans of the Western Sydney Wanderers football club during the 2014-15 season.
At the time, Delaney was visiting a Fox Sports television program set, and he has since described the image as “completely inconsistent” with his values.
Delaney also noted that he had been reflecting on how such a photo could have occurred and reiterated his condemnation of racism in all forms.
He emphasized his commitment to fighting antisemitism, highlighting his recent involvement in signing the ‘Say No to Antisemitism’ letter, which was a response to the recent Hamas-led attack on southern Israel.
Jewish Council condemns the gesture
The Jewish Council of Australia has labeled Delaney’s actions as “deeply concerning.” Sarah Schwartz, the council’s executive officer, criticized the fact that Delaney operates in a media environment where such behavior could be deemed acceptable.
Schwartz emphasized that the Nazi salute is an offensive symbol not only to Jewish people but also to other racialized groups.
Schwartz also questioned the sincerity of Delaney’s commitment to combating antisemitism, given the disparity between his public stance and the gesture in the photograph.
This incident has sparked broader discussions about the need for more than just symbolic gestures in addressing antisemitism.
Broader context and impact on Foxtel
The controversy comes at a time when Australia is experiencing a notable increase in antisemitism and Islamophobia. The federal government recently appointed a special envoy to combat antisemitism and has promised to establish a similar position for Islamophobia in the near future.
Foxtel, which is majority-owned by News Corp, has been facing challenges in recent years due to the growing popularity of international streaming services. The company’s business model has struggled to compete, and News Corp is currently considering selling the pay TV company.
During a visit to Sydney in November, Lachlan Murdoch, a senior executive at News Corp, urged the company’s staff to address and combat all forms of antisemitism, emphasizing that there was “no room for equivocation” on the issue.
Delaney’s apology and the ensuing discussions highlight ongoing issues with racism and antisemitism in Australia, reflecting broader societal challenges as the country grapples with rising community tensions.
The post News Corp boss apologizes after Nazi salute photo surfaces appeared first on Invezz
