Sunrise host Samantha Armytage and commentator Prue MacSween to be sued over Indigenous adoption segment - ABC News

Sunrise host Samantha Armytage and commentator Prue MacSween are facing a racial vilification lawsuit over a controversial segment on Indigenous adoption aired by the Seven Network.

Key points:

• The action is being led by Aboriginal elder Aunty Rhonda Dixon-Grovenor
• Eight complainants have taken the action after Australian Human Rights Commission negotiations broke down
• A Channel Seven spokeswoman said the network was not aware of any actual claim being filed, so could not comment on the case

The potential Federal Court action comes after settlement negotiations collapsed in a group racial discrimination complaint filed in the Australian Human Rights Commission.

During a March 2018 broadcast, Armytage and panellists on the breakfast TV show discussed Aboriginal adoption.

MacSween stated: "Just like the first Stolen Generation, where a lot of children were taken because it was for their wellbeing, we need to do it again."

The Federal Court action is being led by Aboriginal elder Aunty Rhonda Dixon-Grovenor, the group's lawyers said in a statement on Thursday.

They said the eight Aboriginal complainants were forced to take the action after the commission negotiations broke down.

"Sunrise platformed wealthy white women calling for a Stolen Generation 2.0 as a means of salvation for our young people," Ms Dixon-Grovenor said.

"This shameful, profoundly hurtful and devastating display of racism was broadcast by a commercial television station into homes right across Australia.

"The dignity of all Aboriginal people and children was violated in our very own homes and loungerooms around Australia."

A Seven spokeswoman said the network was not aware of any actual claim being filed at this stage so could not comment on the case.

"Seven settled the original matter in late 2019 in the Federal Court with the Yirrkala community and the Yolngu families and offered an unreserved apology on-air shortly after," the spokeswoman said.

After negotiations broke down the group had 60 days to file a case in the Federal Court.

AAP understands law firm Susan Moriarty will file proceedings on their behalf once they receive a certificate stating the initial negotiations were unresolvable.

AAP

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2020-06-11 10:19:11Z
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