Australian TV legend Bert Newton received a standing ovation when walking onto the 2018 Logies stage, but his comments following have caused a stir online.
The 79-year-old media vet claimed that younger viewers might see him on screen and ask ‘Where has this old p**f come from?’
Don't use the word poof, ever. It's not funny & as a gay man who grew up in regional Queensland – had it directed to me as a teenager, full of poison. It hurts to hear. #TVWeekLogies
— Brent Davidson (@Brentus88) July 1, 2018
Later, Newton spoke about his late friend Graham Kennedy, saying: ‘He enjoyed giving young people a chance on television, he was a great mentor, he mentored a lot of young people.
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‘You knew if you went to his dressing room it was locked, he will be inside doing some mentoring.’
Bert’s jokes drew a mixed reaction on social media, with many taking offence.

I suspect that is going to be Bert's last ever appearance at the #Logies
— Andrew Mercado (@andrewmercado) July 1, 2018
He will always be a legend
But that was just sad tonight
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO #TVWeekLogies Please can you get Bert off right now
— Shelsta78 (@shelsta78) July 1, 2018
However, others praised Newton for his un-PC sense of humour.
Bert is a breath of fresh air. BRING BACK VARIETY TELEVISION! #LOGIES #Logies2018
— Catherine Alcorn (@misscathalcorn) July 1, 2018
Waiting for all the Tweets from the PC brigade screaming how inappropriate Bert Newton was. I reckon he was awesome and the joke obviously lost on them. #Logies #TVWEEKLogies
— Scott Gumbleton (@scottgumbleton) July 1, 2018
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Loving Bert Newton. He's not holding back. Well done. He deserves his time on stage 👏👏👏 #Logies #logies2018
— Eileen 🌈 (@BellaBaby74) July 1, 2018
For more Logies coverage see here.
Nikki is obsessed with all things celebrity and dreams she is a long-lost Kardashian. You'll find her binging Netflix's latest 'must-watch' show with a jar of Nutella by her side.
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