Australia's Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) has responded to a deeply offensive video created by Melbourne-based satirist and podcaster Lisa Jane Spencer, who imitated a First Nations woman by sniffing petrol and wearing face paint. The video, which went viral, featured the SBS Insight logo, prompting the broadcaster to distance itself from the content.
SBS Response
'SBS is aware of these posts and the unauthorised use of SBS logos,' a statement read, according to Pedestrian. 'The posts and individuals are in no way associated with our content and have been reported.' The broadcaster further stated: 'SBS unequivocally condemns all forms of racism and recognises the damaging impact it has on individuals, communities and social cohesion. Such views have no place in Australian society.'
Comedian's Defence
Despite significant backlash, Spencer declared she would not apologise. 'Although you're entitled to feel offended, you're also proving my point: you need victimhood,' she said on Instagram. 'There's nothing stopping you from taking the joke and laughing. And so I apologise to absolutely nobody. Not to the Aboriginals, Indians and anyone else who I have and will continue to make jokes about. This is comedy. If you can't make jokes about certain people and things, then that is a form of privilege and hierarchy, and comedy is about tearing those down.' She added that pushing boundaries is part of her role as a comedian.
Content of the Video
The sketch, titled 'Aunty Lisa', began with Spencer stating, 'I started identifying as a black fella a few months ago.' She then depicted filling out a mock government form, ticking 'Yes I am' next to 'Am I Aboriginal?'. The video cut to 'Aunty Lisa' wearing white face paint, mimicking singing, and clapping twigs together. 'I finally feel at peace with who I am. One of the mob,' she said. 'Aboriginal identity transcends skin colour. I am Aboriginal, end of story.' The skit concluded with Spencer inhaling from a red jerry can.
Public Reaction
Australians condemned the video shortly after it was posted. One critic said: 'Foul. Good comedians punch up. The lazy ones punch down and call the backlash proof they're "too edgy". Shock value is what you reach for when you can't land a punchline.' Another commented: 'Oh dear, the petrol sniffing at the end. Skating close to the boundaries there.' A third wrote: 'This isn't comedy or satire it's a collection of lazy and racist stereotypes dressed up as a joke. Aboriginal people are real people not props.'
Spencer has previously created parodies of Pauline Hanson, Abbie Chatfield, Donald Trump, and a white woman identifying as Indian. She transitioned to comedy after a decade as a singer-songwriter and music producer, posting over 130 parodies. Daily Mail has contacted Spencer for comment.
