Animal Justice Party MP Georgie Purcell has become the centre of a media firestorm after publicly accusing a news outlet of digitally manipulating an image of her from a prestigious political event in a 'sexist' act.
The Victorian politician attended the exclusive Midwinter Ball in Melbourne, a key event in the political and media calendar. She chose a elegant black gown for the occasion, but was shocked to see the published photograph the following day.
Ms Purcell took to social media to voice her outrage, posting a side-by-side comparison of the original image and the altered version. The edited photo had not only enlarged her breasts but also revealed more of her midriff, significantly altering the modesty and intended style of her dress.
'It's hard to express how disappointed I am,' the 31-year-old wrote. 'This is not something a male politician would ever have to deal with. It's a blatant form of sexism aimed at undermining women in public life.'
A Pattern of Behaviour and a Swift Apology
The news organisation involved swiftly issued an apology, attributing the alteration to an 'automation by Photoshop' due to the image being cropped and resized. They stated the changes were 'not intentional' and apologised for any offence caused.
However, Ms Purcell and many of her supporters found this explanation unsatisfactory, noting the very specific and gendered nature of the alterations. The incident has ignited a fierce debate about the portrayal of women in the media, particularly those with visible tattoos and who challenge traditional political aesthetics.
Fellow female politicians and public figures have rallied behind Ms Purcell, sharing their own experiences with media sexism and calling for greater accountability. The scandal highlights the intense scrutiny and different standards faced by women in the political arena, where their appearance is often critiqued as much as their policy work.
