A bitter war of words has erupted on Studio 10 this morning between TV stalwart Kerri-Anne Kennerley and controversial personality Yumi Stynes, with the pair clashing angrily overly the vexed issues of Australia Day and racism.
Things escalated with Yumi accusing Kerri-Anne of ‘sounding racist’, a label which the old school star said left her ‘offended’.
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The discussion got off to a rough start when Kerri-Anne ranted about anti-Australia Day protestors, before suggesting they would be better served dealing with the material problems and law and order issues suffered in some communities.
‘OK, the 5000 people who went through the streets making their points known, saying how inappropriate the day is. Has any single one of those people been out to the Outback, where children, babies, five-year-olds are being raped?’ complained a clearly annoyed Kennerley.
‘Their mothers are being raped, their sisters are being raped. They get no education. What have you done?’
Stynes took immediate exception to the sweeping and inflammatory statement, which while apparently alluding to well-reported problems in some specific communities, appeared to reduce the diverse indigenous community to an horrific caricature.
‘That is not even faintly true, Kerri-Anne,’ said Stynes. ‘You’re sounding quite racist right now.’
When Kennerley said she was ‘seriously offended’ by the claim, Stynes refused to back down.
Host Sarah Harris attempted to defuse the situation, with little success. But Kennerley wasn’t taking the cue.
‘Just because I have a point of view, Yumi, doesn’t mean I’m racist’, she said.
Replied Stynes: ‘Yeah, you’re actually connecting rape, child abuse, you’re drawing a straight line … and you’re implying those 5000 protesters, none of whom you know personally, are all lazy and idle.
‘That’s the line! I see it quite clearly.’
Kennerley’s response? ‘Well … get new glasses’
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