ABC apologises following a remark made by panelist Samantha Maiden after Bob Katter press conference incident.
ABC Insiders has apologised following an incorrect statement which aired on its latest episode.
On Sunday the panel discussed Independent MP Bob Katter’s threatening behaviour towards Nine journalist Josh Bavas at a press conference in Brisbane.
During the discussion News Corp journalist Samantha Maiden said the two had a conversation before the press conference about what was going to be asked and suggested Mr Bavas was warned not to ask about Mr Katter’s Lebanese heritage.
“The ABC wishes to clarify that no conversation took place. Insiders apologises for the error. The comment has been removed from the on-demand versions of the program,” ABC said in a statement.
Nine News boss Fiona Dear has previously said Katter’s “aggressive behaviour and threats” were “unacceptable”.
“His baseless and offensive accusation of racism is an irresponsible attempt to shut down a legitimate line of questioning and warrants a public apology from Mr Katter,” she said.
The Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance (MEAA) also issued a statement in support of Bavas.