Sunrise host Samantha Armytage and commentator Prue MacSween are facing a racial vilification lawsuit over a segment on Indigenous adoption which aired in 2018.
The court action has been flagged after settlement negotiations collapsed in a group racial discrimination complaint filed with the Australian Human Rights Commission. The group is made up of Aboriginal Elders and young leaders and is led by Aunty Rhonda Dixon-Grovenor.
The group claims that the 2018 segment, titled Aboriginal Adoption, which discussed Indigenous child welfare issues was “vile” and “racist”.
During the exchange MacSween said: "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 group added the panel failed to include Indigenous speakers or experts on the topic. Dixon-Grovenor says Seven’s morning show Sunrise gave “wealthy white women” a platform to call for a second Stolen Generation.
"This shameful, profoundly hurtful and devastating display of racism was broadcast by a commercial television station into homes right across Australia,” Dixon-Grovenor says.
"The dignity of all Aboriginal people and children was violated in our very own homes and lounge rooms around Australia."
A Seven spokesperson says it isn’t aware of any actual claim being filed so could not comment on the case.
“If and when anything is filed, we will review and take the appropriate steps,” the spokesperson says.
“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 potential lawsuit comes as the Black Lives Matter movement, which has attracted the public support of many brands and media owners, gains traction in Australia, putting Indigenous issues under the spotlight.
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