Former Aussie rules star slammed after criticising Jacinda Ardern's 'grating accent' during Christchurch mosque shooting address

March 21, 2019

A former Aussie rules star and television pundit has caused outrage online after criticising Jacinda Ardern's accent while she was speaking about the Christchurch terror attack in Parliament.

Sam Newman, who played AFL for Geelong before becoming a radio and television personality, made the disparaging remarks on Twitter yesterday after Ms Ardern had given a speech in Parliament about the shootings.

Sam Newman.

The Prime Minister referenced the gunman in part of her speech saying she would never "speak his name".

"He sought many things from his act of terror, but one was notoriety and that is why you will never hear me mention his name.

"He is a terrorist. He is a criminal. He is an extremist. But he will, when I speak, be nameless," Ms Ardern said on Tuesday.

Newman responded to this part of her speech with a tweet reading.

"Thank heavens NZ prime minister said she will never mention the name of the terrorist. How grating is her accent?"

The tweet was quick to receive backlash from all corners.

"You know Sam, you were an idiot when I knew you back in the 80s - instructive to know you haven't changed one bit," Kiwi media personality Alison Mau replied.

"A has been Aussie footballer and washed up sports presenter of the shock jock style which tbh is really predictable and boring," Labour MP Clare Curran responded.

Newman didn't apologise however, issuing another tweet in response.

"Thank you so much for comments re NZ prime minister - and her accent. To be clear, this had nothing to do with her sentiments.

"It DID have to do with the ghastly accent NZā€™s have cultivated. Now, bang on about that being racist. That should occupy your tiny brains."

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