Aussie Journalist Stan Grant Quits ABC’s Flagship Program Citing Ongoing Racial Abuse

A supplied image of Stan Grant talking about his new book The Queen is Dead at the Melbourne Writers Festival in Melbourne, Australia on May 6, 2023. (AAP Image/Supplied by Andrew Guo, Atticus Media)

Indigenous Australian journalist Stan Grant is stepping down from his role as host for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s (ABC) Q&A program following claims of ongoing racial abuse.

Grant said he received a stream of abuse and criticism after he was invited to contribute to the broadcaster’s coverage of the coronation of King Charles III in early May.

He said he was “sorry” that “some monarchists” were offended by the program’s coverage.

“During the coronation coverage, I spoke of Yindyamarra (respect) for those who support the monarchy even as I confront the darkness of colonisation and empire,” he wrote in an ABC op-ed.

“I pointed out that the crown represents the invasion and theft of our land. In the name of the crown, my people were segregated on missions and reserves. Police wearing the seal of the crown took children from their families. Under the crown, our people were massacred.

“I speak  truth with love because that is who I am. If I did not offer Yindyamarra, my ancestors would be ashamed of me. They would also be ashamed of me if I did not speak up for justice.”

The veteran journalist, who became a full-time host for the Q&A program in August 2022, said not one ABC executive offered support over the public backlash.

“Not one ABC executive has publicly refuted the lies written or spoken about me. I don’t hold any individual responsible; this is an institutional failure,” Grant said.

He added that he wanted no part of social media because he and his family were regularly targeted with abuse.

“This is not new. Barely a week goes by when I am not racially targeted. My wife is targeted with abuse for being married to a Wiradjuri man,” he said.

“I don’t even read it, yet I can’t escape it. People stop me in the street to tell me how vile it is. They tell me how sorry they are. Although I try to shield myself from it, the fact it is out there poisons the air I breathe.”

Response From the ABC

ABC News director Justin Stevens said in a statement that the public broadcaster had lodged a complaint with Twitter over the racist abuse targeting Stan.

“Over many months, but particularly in recent days, Stan Grant has been subject to grotesque racist abuse, including threats to his safety,” Stevens said.

“It is abhorrent and unacceptable.

“Stan is one of Australia’s best and most respected journalists and broadcasters. The ABC stands by him and condemns the attacks directed towards him.”

However, Grant said that while he valued the “friendship” of Stevens, he said Stevens is attempting to change an organisation that has a history of racism.

“I was not the producer nor presenter of the coronation broadcast, yet every newspaper article accusing the ABC of bias has carried my image. I am writing this because I will not have people depict me as a person of hate,” Grant said.

Steven said Grant took on the “tirade of criticism, particularly in the usual sections of the media that target the ABC.”

“Reporting on his contribution to the panel discussion has been unfair, inaccurate and irresponsible,” he said. “It has contributed to fuelling horrendous personal and racial abuse.”

“The ABC Ombudsman will investigate editorial complaints about the coverage, according to the customary process.”

Stevens said any threats made to Grant will be referred to the police.

Monday, May 22, will be Grant’s final time hosting ABC’s flagship program. Grant has announced a temporary leave of absence with no set return date.