Hamish Macdonald calls out homophobia live on air
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Hamish Macdonald calls out homophobia live on air
ABC Radio presenter Hamish Macdonald has called out a listener’s homophobic comments live on air.
Macdonald, who presents ABC Radio Sydney’s Mornings program four days a week, addressed the complaint from a listener on yesterday’s show.
ABC Radio listener ‘Bev’ texted the program upset that Macdonald had referenced his husband during a talkback segment.
“Do dedicated ABC listeners have to listen to Hamish Macdonald discussing on a regular basis his gay lifestyle?” she asked.
The complaint was seemingly prompted by Macdonald mentioning he had sent a text message meant for his husband to the wrong person.
“I’m sure there are many more interesting topics to be discussing than that. Boring,” the listener wrote in her message.
Macdonald, who has been hosting the program from Monday to Thursday since 20 January, addressed the text message head-on.
“I’ve just made a vow to myself, in coming back to the ABC more permanently, that I’ll deal with this stuff directly and succinctly,” he said.
“Bev, it’s not a lifestyle. I’m very proud of the person I am.”
Macdonald said Mornings was a welcoming program that’s open to all.
“More broadly and more importantly, this is a big, open thoughtful conversation that we’re having here on Mornings. Let’s keep it going,” Macdonald said.
“Everyone is welcome. Hate and intolerance is not.
“I’ll leave it at that, Bev.”
Hamish Macdonald and husband Jacob Fitzroy first went public with their relationship in 2019. Photo: @lucasdawsonphotography/GQ/Hamish Macdonald/Instagram (composite).
Listeners of ABC Radio Sydney rushed to defend Macdonald.
Several hundred people commented on the station’s Facebook page, where audio of the exchange was shared.
“That’s just being ignorant and a bit cruel. Don’t we all talk about our partners, other half, husband, wife? It’s just normal conversation,” said one listener.
“Sorry you had to deal with that, Hamish. And what a great, strong response,” wrote another.
Another wrote: “I was listening this morning and could not believe someone could be so small minded and nasty. Why is this any different to the other presenters who often reference their family and partners? It is part of who they are. Great response, Hamish.”
While another quipped: “Back to 2GB for you Bev!”
Hamish Macdonald has a storied history with the ABC, on both television and radio.
He previously hosted Q+A on ABC TV from February 2020 until June 2021.
The abuse Macdonald received on Twitter while hosting Q+A – including homophobic insults – prompted him to deactivate his account in January 2021 and contributed to his decision to leave the program.
He has also filed reports for Foreign Correspondent, ABC TV’s weekly current affairs and documentary program.
Before commencing on Mornings, Macdonald worked as a fill-in presenter and interviewer on Radio National’s morning show, RN Breakfast, in 2023 and 2024.
In addition to his Mornings role, Macdonald appears on Channel Ten’s The Project, where he is a regular co-presenter.
His impressive television career has included stints at Channel 4 and ITV in the UK, Al-Jazeera English in Malaysia, the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) in the USA and the Nine Network, Seven Network and WIN Television in Australia.
Hamish Macdonald was a co-host of ABC TV’s 2022 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade. Photo: Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras/Facebook.
Openly gay since 2019, Macdonald came out when he attended that year’s GQ Gentleman’s Ball in Melbourne with his partner Jacob Fitzroy.
The couple held hands on the red carpet at the event. Moments later, they shared a kiss in a photo booth.
Speaking about their relationship on The Project, Macdonald said: “He’s my best friend and I just feel tremendously lucky to share our lives together.
“He’s really the best person I know. He makes life pretty fun. I didn’t know such happiness was possible.”
Little is publicly known about Fitzroy, although he is listed on LinkedIn as a Senior Manager in Deloitte’s Climate and Sustainability practice.
Famously private, the couple were married in a country wedding ceremony in May 2023.
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