Australia
Brooke Boney details threats at federal racism inquiry
Former Today show presenter Brooke Boney has told a federal inquiry she left the television industry after receiving menacing threats and being doxxed.
Former television presenter Brooke Boney has told a federal inquiry into racism that she decided to walk away from the media industry after receiving menacing threats.
According to wire reports of the parliamentary proceedings, the former Today show host told committee members that the targeted harassment left her terrified. The hostile behaviour ultimately prompted her decision to leave her prominent broadcasting career.
Ms Boney revealed to the inquiry that the abuse escalated to doxxing, with her private email address and her home address being leaked online. The public exposure of her residential address created significant safety concerns, which she described as a key factor in her departure from television.
The federal inquiry is currently examining the nature and prevalence of racism in Australia, including the experiences of culturally diverse professionals working within the media sector. Ms Boney, a Gamilaroi woman, has been one of the most visible Indigenous presenters on commercial television in recent years.
The committee is examining how media companies protect their employees from external abuse and online harassment, particularly when targeted at minority journalists. Ms Boney's evidence highlights the severe personal toll that online campaigns and physical safety breaches can take on media professionals.
The precise timeline of the threats and whether the matter was referred to police or resulted in any criminal charges remains unconfirmed. Representatives from the media sector and online platforms have not yet formally responded to the specific details raised in her testimony.
The inquiry is expected to hear further testimony from media executives and digital platforms regarding safety measures for public-facing staff in the coming weeks.
This report draws on original reporting by Wire report.
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