Channel 9 commentator Brad Fittler has been slammed for remarks he made during an interview with two Olympic gold medallist sisters ahead of a Friday NRL match. Moments before the game, the hosts crossed to former player and commentator Brad Fittler at Penrith's BlueBet Stadium, in Sydney's west, with two special guests. Standing alongside him on the field were Jessica Fox and Noemie Fox - the siblings who won gold at the Paris Games - who live in Penrith and are Panthers supporters.
"I'm just waiting for the kiss cam to come on... on me," the 52-year-old said.
"It's not happening."
Jess appeared to awkwardly laugh, turning away to look at the spectators while her sister seemed to be in shock with her mouth open and smiling.
The Backlash
Viewers at home took to social media to slam the former NRL star for his actions. "Brad Fittler is a married 52 year old making a joke about wanting to kiss 27/30 year olds on live TV. They were at the stadium to celebrate their 3 recent Olympic gold medals. They were clearly uncomfortable. He was in the wrong," one person wrote to X. "Seriously, why? Why say it? It's 2024. Everyone has to flat out be better," another added. "It was disgusting. Jess Fox reacted shocked and turned away. The misogyny was blatant and gross. Actions must be taken," a third outraged viewer said.
Others described it as a "gross remark".
A Kiss Cam Tradition?
A kiss cam is more of an American and Canadian tradition where a camera zones in on spectators at a match, as the crowd cheers them on to kiss each other. In this instance, however, Fittler's comment felt entirely inappropriate and out of place. The Fox sisters were at the stadium to celebrate their sporting achievements, not to be subject to unwanted attention from a male commentator. The incident highlights a broader issue of misogyny and sexism in the sporting world. Such remarks are not only disrespectful but also undermine the achievements of women athletes.
Channel 9's Response
Channel 9 issued a statement in response to the backlash, claiming that Fittler's remarks were intended to be "light-hearted." However, the statement failed to acknowledge the discomfort of the Fox sisters or the widespread outrage from viewers.
A Legacy of Controversy
This incident isn't the first time Fittler has been involved in controversy. In 2009, he was fined $10,000 after two women at a Townsville hotel called police because "a man with a hairy chest" was loitering outside their room. Police arrived to find Fittler, who had spent the earlier part of the evening enjoying a few drinks, still sitting outside their door. The incident raised concerns about Fittler's judgment and his understanding of appropriate behavior.
An Olympic Family Affair
The Fox sisters are huge Penrith fans - where Fittler made his first grade debut - and visited the Panthers' training base earlier this week. Talent runs deep in the Fox family, with Noemie now joining her sister Jessica and mother Myriam as an Olympic gold medal winner after her performance in the kayaking in Paris. Myriam Fox-Jerusalmi is a renowned Australian slalom canoeist in her own right who enjoyed Olympic success. She won two bronze medals, one each at the 1996 and 2000 Summer Olympics before transitioning into a successful coaching role, guiding athletes such as her daughters Jessica and Noemie to Olympic glory. Jess then emerged as Australia's golden girl, following in her mother's footsteps with three Olympic gold medals, a silver and two bronze. Now Noemie has made it a family affair with her maiden gold medal in Paris, a feat that saw her entire family leap into the water to celebrate with her. The Fox family's combined medal tally from all the Games they've competed in is four gold, one silver and four bronze, which would put them in 12th position on the Paris tally, above New Zealand and below Canada. Their success at the Paris Olympics has cemented their place as one of the most decorated families in Australian sporting history. Their commitment to excellence and dedication to their sport serves as an inspiration to young athletes around the world. Their achievements are a testament to the power of family and the importance of support in achieving one's dreams.
A Time for Reflection
While Fittler's comment was undoubtedly inappropriate, it also serves as a reminder of the need for greater awareness and sensitivity when interacting with women in sport. It's important to challenge harmful stereotypes and promote a culture of respect. Ultimately, we must hold individuals accountable for their actions and strive to create a more inclusive and equitable sporting environment.
The incident has sparked a crucial conversation about misogyny in sport and how we can work together to create a more respectful and equitable environment for all athletes.
