An ABC journalist has found himself embroiled in controversy after being recorded delivering an expletive-filled rant during a casual night out in Sydney. Four Corners reporter Mike Willacy was dining with friends at the popular Lady Chu Vietnamese restaurant in Potts Point over the weekend when he became an unwitting participant in the establishment's social media content.
Unexpected Interview Turns Profane
Restaurant owner Nahji Chu, who regularly interviews diners for her Instagram account, approached Willacy's table with a microphone disguised as a Banh Mi sandwich. The clip began with Chu celebrating the revival of alfresco dining in Sydney streets, declaring "the naysayers have disappeared... we told them all to get f***ed" as footage showed bustling outdoor dining areas.
When Chu turned her attention to Willacy, the journalist enthusiastically embraced the confrontational tone. "Yeah, f*** off, we don't like you," he declared before adding, "I'm from Queensland, you can f*** off in NSW."
Targeting Local Government
Willacy didn't stop there, directing his invective toward Sydney's local government. "You know what? This [alfresco dining] is awesome. F*** off, council," he stated before inquiring, "Is it Clover Moore?" referring to the City of Sydney Lord Mayor.
The journalist continued his state-based criticism, remarking, "I've even heard of... heard of her from NSW. Like, I'm from Queensland," while making an obscene hand gesture toward the camera.
ABC Responds to Controversial Clip
Following the video's circulation on social media, an ABC spokesperson addressed the incident to The Australian newspaper. The spokesperson explained that Willacy's comments were "clearly made in jest in what he thought was a private video" and emphasized that "he was not aware of the council dispute and did not agree to the video being used for any purpose."
Second Media Incident in Weeks
This incident follows another embarrassing moment for Australian journalism when Nine Network reporter Danika Mason appeared to struggle during live crosses from the Winter Olympics in Livigno. Viewers noticed Mason slurring her words and stumbling through segments as she reported from a snowstorm, with co-hosts Karl Stefanovic and Jayne Azzopardi suggesting the extreme cold was affecting her speech.
The following day, Mason publicly apologized during a live broadcast, admitting she had "misjudged a situation" by drinking alcohol before her shift. "I shouldn't have had a drink. And especially in these conditions, it's cold. We've got altitude," she confessed, taking full responsibility for her performance.
The Nine Network eventually disabled comments on social media posts featuring Mason's segments after significant online criticism emerged regarding her on-air demeanor and delivery during the challenging weather conditions at the Olympic venue.
