A local Australian news channel has come under fire after a video showed a group of “sexy Santas” dancing during what is reported to be a routine staff meeting. New York Post, On Friday last week, Seven Network parent company Seven West Media was holding a meeting in Perth to introduce new hires. It was while the deputy news director was discussing an upcoming event that Mariah Carey’s ‘All I want for Christmas’ The music began, and a group of female dancers wearing Santa hats and short red dresses appeared on stage.
according to PostA photo of the meeting was shared on social media and drew strong criticism, with many saying it was a scene from the 1980s. Female employees at the meeting reacted in shock and some even walked out in protest.
One social media user wrote, “Oh my god – if they think this is even slightly justified based on what we’ve found about them, then the cultural structure of that organization is badly broken.” Another added, “This will help fix the cultural issues that have been exposed.”
“Last Friday’s Seven West media staff meeting featured female dancers dressed as sexy Santas. I thought it was a parody news report until I saw it confirmed by multiple news media. So Seven is still stuck in the 1970s,” a third commented.
Last Friday’s Seven West media staff meeting featured female dancers dressed like sexy Santas. I thought it was a parody news report until I saw it confirmed by several news media. So Seven is still stuck in the 1970s? #media #genderdiscrimination #journalism pic.twitter.com/mf0XxFyh9N
— Peter Murphy (@PeterWMurphy1) August 27, 2024
On the other hand, a Seven West Media spokesperson defended the dancers, explaining that they were part of the Christmas Pageant, which is a “Perth institution”.
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Meanwhile, according to news agency ANI, PostThe incident comes amid an ongoing investigation into alleged inappropriate behaviour at the media network. In recent weeks, veteran Sydney reporter Robert Ovadia launched legal action against the company in the Federal Court. Mr Ovadia stepped down in June following an investigation into allegations of alleged inappropriate behaviour.
Mr Ovadia lodged proceedings in the Federal Court against the Seven Network and its news boss Anthony de Ceglie. He claims Seven told him no complaint had been made against him. “Any suggestion that I have ever behaved inappropriately is false, malicious and will be defended,” he said.
The media group, on the other hand, said it takes “seriously” any allegations of retaliation for sexual harassment, bullying and other inappropriate behaviour.
