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The Project’s biggest on-air slip-ups and controversial moments that led to the woke show’s demise

BBG News

After 16 years on air, The Project was officially axed by Network Ten this week.

On Monday, I was overjoyed when my beloved network took to Facebook to express gratitude for our unwavering support and dropped a bombshell – they’re replacing our cherished show!

Over more than 5,000 broadcasts, this long-running news program has seen a drop in viewership over the past few years.

Additionally, there were also contentious moments, as The Project frequently found itself the subject of news stories rather than providing them.

Here are just a few of the biggest slip-ups and controversies in Project history.

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A holy furore 

In the year 2023, comedian Reuben Kaye, known for his queer identity, caused a stir among Project viewers by telling a mature, explicit joke involving Jesus Christ during the broadcast.

The comedian once stated, “I admire Jesus, I admire any man who could endure being nailed up for three full days and still return for more.

Kaye’s inappropriate joke incited a significant uproar, causing hosts Sarah Harris and Waleed Aly to issue an apology.

One individual expressed their dismay on X, stating, “How appalling that joke was about Jesus, yet The Project team merely chuckled and remained silent. I am deeply offended by their lack of response.

One person commented: ‘In truth, it was a crude jest about Jesus. I support everyone living as they choose, but this crosses a line.’

Rotten remarks 

A surprising visitor who left both the audience and celebrities amazed was none other than the ex-lead singer of the Sex Pistols, John Lydon, also known as Johnny Rotten.

In 2013, Lydon launched a verbal assault, tinged with sexism, during his appearance on the show directed at host Carrie Bickmore.

In simpler terms, Bickmore was trying to discuss former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher with the punk rock legend, but Lydon kept telling him to stop talking.

‘Hey, missus! Whoever you are, you need to be quiet, your voice is too loud for me,’ Lydon said.

Bickmore persisted, only to have Lydon spit: ‘Now listen, when a man is talking, do not interrupt.

I find your tone akin to those annoying birds I dislike so much. Yet, please remember, I’m asking kindly here. It’s essential that you grasp the essence of politeness and respect.

The interview was abruptly ended, as panelist Andrew Rochford called Lydon a blatant, chauvinistic, and misogynistic individual.

The interview came to an end swiftly, with panelist Andrew Rochford branding Lydon as a shameless, sexist, misogynistic swine.

Or:

The interview suddenly concluded, with panelist Andrew Rochford categorizing Lydon as a brazen, chauvinistic, and misogynistic character.

Carrie’s C-bomb 

Bickmore was also not immune to the occasional on-air gaffe during her time on the show.

In 2012, I found myself in an embarrassing moment live on air, when during a discussion about a price battle between Qantas and Virgin Australia, I unintentionally used a word that’s better left unsaid. That incident certainly became one of my more memorable experiences on screen.

She mentioned that Virgin Airlines is aiming for major business routes with the goal of attracting Qantas (previously known as Ctas) passengers, she added with a chuckle.

Instantly, Carrie’s fellow host, Charlie Pickering, jokingly replied: “The link you’re looking for is YouTube.com.

Later on, Carrie expressed her regrets on Twitter, stating: “Is any publicity truly beneficial? I’m sorry, @QantasAirways and my grandmother.

Courting controversy 

2017 found me, an ardent admirer of the controversial tennis legend Margaret Court, bristling with indignation over an interview that I perceived as disrespectful. In this interview conducted by The Project, they questioned her stance on same-sex marriage, a topic close to my heroine’s heart.

The court stirred up widespread attention after she published a public letter expressing her dissatisfaction over Qantas’s decision to support same-sex marriage.

In the Project discussion, Court shared that expressing her opinions was challenging due to the dominant conversation led by Waleed Aly and Meshel Laurie.

According to Court, he told Aly during a conversation with the Daily Telegraph, “Don’t interrupt me like that, you’re not understanding; instead, you’re mocking me.

‘It’s below-the-belt stuff really, we have freedom of speech.

However, I find it unfortunate that they seem to show little regard for individuals, their accomplishments, or their identities.

Higgins hot water

2021 saw another wave of controversy for The Project, as host Lisa Wilkinson conducted an exclusive interview with Brittany Higgins regarding the allegations of her rape that took place in Parliament House.

In Parliament House, a minister’s couch was where Higgins claimed she was raped, an allegation she also made in her conversation with Wilkinson for Project and confirmed to news.com.au in February of the same year.

In the report, neither media outlet directly named the accused rapist, but Bruce Lehrmann, a former colleague of Higgins, asserted that he could be recognized and filed a lawsuit against news.com.au, Network Ten, and The Project for making defamatory statements.

Ultimately, Lehrmann’s actions were unsuccessful, as Justice Michael Lee determined, based on the preponderance of evidence, that Lehrmann sexually assaulted Brittany Higgins within Parliament House in 2019.

Lehrmann was ordered to pay Network Ten’s costs and he is currently appealing the decision.

Panda-monium 

In June 2024, Chinese-Australian journalist and author Vicky Xu made an appearance on the show to talk about Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s ongoing trip to Australia and his recent declaration of a panda exchange plan at the Adelaide Zoo.

Ms Xu was asked by panellist Sam Taunton if she was excited about Adelaide Zoo getting new pandas.

Ms. Xu acknowledged, “Initially, I thought pandas were too lethargic, but upon reflection, I am not saying that. In fact, I am clarifying that I do not believe they are endangered solely due to laziness.

She exclaimed, “Check out this ensemble on me! I’m undeniably more adorable than those oversized panda bears.

Ms Xu’s comment was met with shock and laughter by The Project hosts.

Racism Row  

2021 saw AFL star Heritier Lumumba challenge a particular talk show, following an appearance on it with hosts Waleed Aly and Peter Helliar.

Previously, a prominent figure from Collingwood was making news due to allegations involving racial insensitivity within the team, such as the employment of a derogatory term like “chimp.

However, during a post-interview panel discussion, Peter Helliar questioned the validity of the statements he had made.

According to Helliar, Heritier could emerge as a powerful and influential figure in the fight against racism within the AFL and sports of Australia.

A simple rephrasing could be: “It would be incredibly beneficial if we could receive more specific information, particularly about the nickname.

For a playing career spanning ten years, we couldn’t locate anyone who was familiar with that particular nickname.

In the end, Helliar expressed regret, stating: “Indeed, without a doubt, my deepest apologies, Lumumba. I should have trusted you. I’ll make amends and strive for improvement.

‘I urge all fans and members to demand better from Collingwood.’

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2025-06-10 03:37

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