Melbourne radio station 3AW on the defensive after “victim blaming” in Nigella Lawson coverage
Radio DJ Dee Dee Dunleavy and her fellow 3AW Melbourne on-air colleague Tom Elliot have both published lengthy clarifications in explanation of Dunleavy’s comments made following the publication of photographs showing chef Nigella Lawson apparently being assaulted in public by her husband Charles Saatchi.
Dee Dee Dunleavy of 3AW Melbourne
Saatchi has since publicly acknowledged the incident, which is currently subject to police investigation, although no charges have been brought.
“About a week ago, we were sitting outside a restaurant having an intense debate about the children, and I held Nigella’s neck repeatedly while attempting to emphasise my point,” Saatchi told the London Evening Standard.
Dunleavy drew widespread condemnation and was accused of “victim blaming” after tweeting: “If you want us to buy your books @Nigella_Lawson, we need you to take a stand on #domesticviolence: @DeeDeeDunleavy” which linked to a blog articulating the point.
“First and foremost, my wish for Nigella Lawson is that she is safe and well, and as far away from her beastly husband as possible,” Dunleavy said in a follow up blog, clarifying her comments.
“I was not calling for a boycott of Nigella’s books. Clearly, I didn’t make my point well,” she said.
“My point was that Nigella is, by her own making, an admired public figure. She has become this by having successful cooking shows and books, and as such she has our attention. We are watching for her reaction. I believe that she should file a complaint with police.
“We have seen the incredible good that can come of a celebrity taking a stand on an issue, Olivia Newton- John, for instance, campaigning for women to have breast checks after dealing with breast cancer herself.
“Nigella Lawson is not obliged to become a domestic violence campaigner. Her safety and that of her children is paramount at the moment. But I hope that in the fullness of time she will consider doing so.
“I am mortified that anyone would think I was bullying or victimising Nigella Lawson, a woman I admire enormously.”
Tom Elliot added his support for Dunleavy, stating that he did not believe Dunleavy had “victimised the victim”.
“Frankly however, I think people have overreacted towards what Dee Dee wrote. Yes, both her timing and choice of words were poor, and she should have known better,” he said.
“But does Dee Dee think Nigella’s many fans should now boycott her work? I very much doubt it.
“And does she see Nigella as anything other than a victim here? Most definitely not.
“We all need to accept that sometimes people make mistakes and say the wrong thing. Even experienced journalists are guilty of this.”