George Calombaris’ Tourism WA campaign canned in wake of wages scandal
Embattled celebrity chef, restaurateur and Masterchef judge George Calombaris’ partnership with Tourism Western Australia has ended, with the tourism body cancelling the recent campaign which featured him. The news comes in the wake of increasingly negative publicity around the Masterchef judge, after it was revealed he underpaid staff by $7.8m.
A Tourism WA spokesperson told Mumbrella pausing the campaign was necessary due to the community response to the Calombaris controversy.
Many observers feel his fine of $200,000 from the Fair Work Ombudsman, and his continued presence on Masterchef – ostensibly promoting the industry, its practices and its people – is unfair and problematic.
“restauranteur” ?
Hi there,
Small typo. Thanks for flagging. It has been corrected.
Vivienne – Mumbrella
It’s was also really boring and he has a terrible voice. He’s bad enough on the Swisse ads
Ten’s CEO Paul Anderson again sits on the fence, or rather, makes the wrong call.
He must stand down Calombaris immediately.
This man has been found guilty of short changing hard working Australians. This wasn’t a one off. It was many workers over a number of years.
And it isn’t the first time Calombaris has brought the station into disrepute. Remember the sideline footy stoush.
Mr Anderson has now set a precedent in taking no action. I will watch closely the next time a “not on air” employee gets into strife.
Grow some kahunas Mr Anderson and stand up for the men and women wronged before more decent minded advertisers abandon Ten.