ABC and production company apologise for ‘devastating error’ in Tracey Spicer #MeToo documentary
The ABC and production company Southern Pictures has been forced to apologise for an error which saw a preview version of a documentary about the #MeToo movement include names, faces and personal stories of rape and domestic violence without consent or knowledge of those involved.
The error, which was highlighted by a joint investigation between news.com.au and Buzzfeed News, has been called ‘devastating’ by the production company and ‘utterly gutting’ by advocate and founder of NOW Australia Tracey Spicer, who features in the documentary.
Tracey Spicer has come under fire for her involvement in Silent No More
A preview version of Silent No More, a three-part documentary about the rise of the #MeToo movement in Australia, was distributed by ABC to media outlets in October, ahead of a November launch. The documentary reportedly contained disclosures which were received by Spicer without the consent of the women involved. Names and faces of victims also appeared.
Victims who spoke with news.com.au and Buzzfeed said they had no knowledge of the documentary, or their involvement in it. The version has since been removed.
A statement from the ABC blamed ‘human error’ for the preview, and said it was sent to ‘a small number of accredited media under embargo’.
https://twitter.com/lanesainty/status/1194441497287872513
“This early version had not yet had names and details of three women blurred in shots of a computer screen. Significant steps were taken to de-identify names and details in the broadcast version and it has always been our intention that these names and details be blurred before broadcast,” read the statement.
The ABC apologised for any harm or upset caused by the error, and said the welfare of victims is of the ‘utmost importance’ to the ABC.
“The welfare of those who have suffered sexual abuse or harassment is of utmost importance to the ABC and we wish to assure them that Silent No More will treat these issues with respect and care while shining a light on the need for positive change in this area.”
A statement from Southern Pictures was explicitly clear that the final version would not identify anyone without consent.
I sadly paused before sharing this lest I be accused of a “pile on”. But I feel very strongly that this sorry episode should prompt a wider discussion about the sensitivities and responsibilities of reporting sexual violence — and the duty of care media have to victims. https://t.co/pjvvNyGMIC
— Kristine Ziwica (@KZiwica) November 12, 2019
“Our first priority is our duty of care to those impacted by sexual harassment and #MeToo, along with supporting the work that is being done to address the issue of sexual harassment,” said the production company.
The disclosures in question were sent directly to Spicer without consent to be shared elsewhere. Spicer says she was assured identities would be protected.
“As a participant in this documentary, I was assured survivors’ identities would be fully protected. I am utterly gutted about what has occurred. I apologise deeply and unreservedly to those whose names were visible in that initial version of the program. I’m relieved that the ABC has swiftly moved to take it down and that no one is identified in the broadcast version,” said Spicer.
The error comes after a report from Buzzfeed News, released last month, accused Spicer and the leaders behind NOW Australia of making lofty promises associated with the #MeToo movement in Australia, and being unable to support those promises past the launch point.
Silent No More will air on the ABC from Monday, November 25 at 8.30pm.
topics
#Metoo
ABC
Buzzfeed Australia
BuzzFeed News
Gina Rushton
Hannah Ryan
Nina Funnell
Southern Pictures
Tracey Spicer
The place is run by protected amateurs trying to shove opinion rather than do their job. Time to clear it out and get some professionals to do what should be basic tasks and conduct essential checks.
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Absolutely devastating for all involved.
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This shouldn’t have happened. It will have repercussions for anyone who may have suffered in the past and who will think twice about reporting it …in confidence.
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Keep chipping away at the ABC budget, dictated to by RWNJs and then this happens… incredibly sad for all involved.
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They should protect the victims and not air this documentary
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Think of all the people she falsely accused or encouraged people to accuse because of her level of “journalism.” There is no excuse for such sloppy work. These woman have been damaged. The people she has accused without facts have been damaged. Lots of failures here. I hope she and ABC gets sued. The damage they have caused cannot be undone.
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It’s so sad for those involved but I am tired of seeing people like Tracey look for opportunistic ways of staying relevant instead of being good at her work. Everything is based on other peoples ideas, from stripping your make up off in a keynote to promising to reveal predators and instead damaging lives.
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We there you go. Do-gooders and self-righteous zealots, on a self-appointed mission with no consideration for anyone who gets in there road. Such a shame, but unsurprisingly they have hurt the very people they proport to be helping. It is further evidence that Spicer and her band of zealots should be treated with the contempt that they have shown to the people that they purport to assist. Go away Spicer you are a fraud and humbug.
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This is an opportunity for Ita Buttrose to take action with those involved with this mess. Someone should be accountable and start with her.
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Seriously, the join forces with Buzzfeed and expect professionalism – get real peoples.
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Tracey has form and having known her for years, I am so glad she is being called out.
Anyone care to recall this – https://www.traveller.com.au/i-dont-want-my-kids-sitting-next-to-a-man-on-a-plane-375z6
There are sometimes good reasons why some people no longer work in mainstream media – and it has nothing to do with ageism or sexism.
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Just want to say something about the me2 movement, I have been shocked at how bad behaviour from men towards women and I think we should be careful in making this debate a battle of the sexes. I believe it should be more about bad behaviour from both sexes in order to stop the segregation this can cause. Lets not also forget that there are many good men and women out there and lets give this a balanced view. We all as humanity are being faced with many challenges and its calling for all of us to grow up and elvolve into a society where we become a we,we one and not a me, me one that we are currently opperating under. many of our systems are broken and will be replaced with fairer ones. I know we will get this right and it requires us all to listen and grow together and do what is right not what is the easiest. working together and lifting each other up is going to get the results and bring about a respectful society.
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