Erin Molan engages defamation lawyers over Daily Mail articles
Media personality Erin Molan says she has “engaged a specialist defamation law firm” to take on the Daily Mail.
Molan was accused of being complicit in racism when she said “hooka looka mooka hooka fooka” in reference to the names of Pacific Islander NRL players on Nine’s 2GB.
Molan has engaged lawyers
The Daily Mail has since said Molan has “refused to apologise” over the incident.
Molan, however, now says there are “a number of untruths” in the Daily Mail’s version of events and that it constitutes “some of the most inaccurate, irresponsible and malicious” reporting she has seen.
“I would like to publicly address the misleading and inaccurate pieces by the Daily Mail regarding the audio clip that went to air during the Continuous Call on 2GB,” she said in a statement.
The inaccuracies, she said, include made-up quotes and claims she is refusing to apologise.
“The words ‘in-joke’ or ‘inside joke’ have been directly attributed to me by the Daily Mail in headlines and the body of articles multiple times. It has also been repeated as fact in numerous other publications and in personal and public social media posts. The quote is completely made up,” Molan said.
She also attempted to clarify the context of the incident.
“There was no discussion or segment last Saturday regarding how to pronounce Polynesian names – nor was I attempting to pronounce or ‘mock’ a Polynesian player’s name. My remarks were an attempt to reference a story that has been told multiple times on-air. They were clumsy and inappropriate. I apologised on-air last Friday and that apology stands.”
Molan concluded her statement noting she has the “utmost admiration and respect for the Polynesian community” – especially those who play NRL.
A Daily Mail spokesperson told Mumbrella the publication will defend its claims.
“Daily Mail Australia denies the articles published about Erin Molan are in any way actionable, and will be strenuously defending any legal action she takes.”
Go Erin. Unfortunately there are plenty out there who choose to believe everything the Daily Mail espouses.
User ID not verified.
But they’re the “top” commercial news site…
User ID not verified.
Good luck in your fight, Erin..
User ID not verified.
Erin is a top broadcaster and doesn’t have a malicious bone in her body. I fully support her stance in defending herself against such abysmal journalism.
User ID not verified.
Commercially there is a risk for advertisers to be around her radio/tv shows at moment.
User ID not verified.
Commercially, there were risks around Alan Jones for years and look how long the media landscape tolerated him.
Erin should easily win this case and once again, all will be well again in media land.
User ID not verified.
I’m a Polynesian women and have always admired Erin being a female jounalist in a male dominated sport. I was not offended by your comment because I knew it was put out of content. I’ve lived in Australia for over 30years born overseas in a Pacific Island. During this time never came across any hatred or racism. I love this Country and so my white brothers and sisters. I hate all this hatred going around the world especially here in Australia. Just hope we can put our differences on the side and live to make this Country and good place to live. People joke even us Islanders and I knew that comment was not to mock Islanders because I know how much you love and respect us. You’ve been thru alot Erin. I wish you luck with any case. Keep your head up high and keep soldier on. Love you Erin.#Your Island Sister#.
User ID not verified.