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Ten’s Ron Wilson issues on-air apology after ‘disgusting’ Mardi Gras comment

Network Ten newsreader Ron Wilson has this morning made an on-air apology after using the word “disgusting” during an interview about Sydney’s Mardi Gras parade.

Yesterday’s comment came during an unscripted interview with Mardi Gras co-chair Peter Urmson.

Wilson insists that his comments came in his role as a journalist playing devil’s advocate and did not reflect his own views.

He took the unusual step of stating that he is in favour of the law being changed to allow marriage between same sex couples.

During yesterday’s interview he asked Urmson:

“On the night there some of the spectacles you’re seeing I’m, assuming would even make you cringe. It becomes an exploitation almost of a sexual image rather than trying to explore the diversity of lifestyle.”

After Urmson responded that the community was colourful, but not disgusting, Wilson said:

“With respect, there’s a difference between colourful and disgusting in some cases.”

He then added that some people “really do seem to cross the line”.

Ten issued a statement saying: “Ten Morning News featured 8 minutes of overwhelmingly positive coverage of Mardi Gras. Ron Wilson congratulated organisers on the success of the 2011 event.  One small section of the interview raised a question about behaviour by some participants. The phrasing might not have been ideal, and TEN apologises if any viewers took offence. However, it is not unreasonable for alternative views to be put to organisers and the interview talent agreed that while he didn’t hold the view, some sections of society may.”

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