By T. Jayani, JadeTimes News
Patrick Delaney, the head of Foxtel, a major cable television company in Australia primarily owned by News Corp, has issued a full apology after a photo emerged showing him performing a Nazi salute. Delaney explained that he was attempting to highlight the similarity between the Nazi gesture and a gesture used by some supporters of the Western Sydney Wanderers soccer team when the photo was taken about ten years ago.
In an email to staff, Delaney acknowledged that, regardless of the context, performing such an offensive salute was inappropriate. The image, initially published by Crikey, has drawn significant criticism, particularly from the Jewish Council of Australia. The council's executive officer, Sarah Schwartz, described the act as "deeply concerning," adding that it was troubling that someone in the media industry would consider the gesture acceptable. Schwartz emphasized that the salute is an offensive and violent act not only to Jews but also to other marginalized groups.
Delaney, in his internal memo, expressed regret and stated that the photo did not align with his personal values or beliefs. He explained that the gesture was made during a visit to the set of a Fox Sports program while he was CEO, and he believed he was mimicking a threatening gesture used by fans of the soccer team during the 2014-15 season. He reaffirmed his opposition to racism and pointed out his commitment to the 'Say No to Antisemitism letter,' which he signed alongside other Australian leaders following the recent Hamas ed attack on Israel.
The controversy arises amid growing concerns over rising antisemitism and Islamophobia in Australia, fueled by tensions related to the Israel-Gaza conflict. The Australian government has responded by appointing a special envoy to combat antisemitism and has plans to appoint a similar position to address Islamophobia.
Lachlan Murdoch, during a recent visit to Sydney, urged News Corp's Australian staff to confront all forms of antisemitism without hesitation. Meanwhile, Foxtel, once a dominant player in Australian households, has seen its business model decline due to competition from more affordable international streaming services.
