Category: Meshel Laurie

Comedian Meshel Laurie slams her ‘toxic’ former co-host Marty Sheargold after he was dumped by Triple M over his sexist Matildas outburst

Meshel Laurie has called out her former Nova co-host Marty Sheargold after he was axed by Triple M following his sexist remarks about the Matildas.

The comedian, 51, shared a lengthy post to Instagram on Wednesday, praising the radio station for dumping a ‘toxic’ male presenter.

‘Congratulations @triplemmelb and @southerncrossaustereo. An Australian commercial radio network has actually “parted ways” with a male presenter over his toxic attitude towards women,’ she wrote.

‘I honestly never thought I’d live to see the day. I must admit, I wouldn’t have advised @leisel_jones to speak out about this.

‘Is it possible the industry is actually changing? Well done @leisel_jones and well done Triple M. This is huge. Love to all the talented and hard working women working in radio. Keep pushing! Time for a female-led national drive show? Dare we dream?’

Triple M has axed host Sheargold on Wednesday after he was blasted for comments he made earlier this week about the Matildas, which have been branded un-Australian, sexist and disgusting.

Meshel Laurie (pictured) has called out her former Nova co-host Marty Sheargold over his sexist Matildas outburst

The actor and comedian made the remarks on his radio show on Monday as he reacted to the team’s 2-1 loss to the USA at the SheBelieves Cup, which came on the heels of their 4-0 loss to Japan to open the tournament.

Sheargold told listeners ‘there’s something wrong with the Matildas’ before comparing the team to ‘Year 10 girls’ and asking if superstar striker Sam Kerr and her fiancee Kristie Mewis ‘play the same position’.

When his co-hosts tried to continue discussing the SheBelieves Cup, Sheargold jumped in, exclaiming: ‘Oh, she believes in what? It better be men.’

Triple M released a statement on Wednesday evening following the shocking comments, stating it has ‘mutually agreed to part ways’ with the radio star after four years of working together.

SCA’s Chief Content Officer, Dave Cameron, said: ‘Triple M and Marty Sheargold have mutually agreed to part ways.

‘Southern Cross Austereo (SCA) takes its responsibility to listeners, shareholders, and clients seriously and its programming should align with the standards and expectations of its audience,’ Cameron said.

‘Right now, it’s clear this is a moment for reflection and review. Triple M, and the wider SCA network, will continue to take all necessary steps to support staff.

Triple M axed Sheargold after he was blasted for comments he made earlier this week about the Matildas, which have been branded un-Australian, sexist and disgusting

‘A new Drive show will be announced in due course. Triple M acknowledges Marty’s contribution over the past four years, and we wish him well for the future.’

Sheargold also released a statement on his exit from the radio network, adding an apology to the Matildas for his ‘sexist’ remarks.

‘Having mutually agreed to part ways with the Triple M Network, I fully understand the gravity of my comments,’ he said.

‘I’d like to sincerely apologise to the Matildas and the broader organisation. I would also like to thank my immediate team for their hard work and apologise for the situation they now find themselves in.’

Sheargold’s axing from Triple M was foreshadowed earlier in the day when the broadcaster did not air his show in the usual time slot on Wednesday.

The radio star’s co-hosts Troy Ellis and Will Ralston were also absent as the broadcaster filled the airtime with music and commercials when the program was meant to air at 3pm in NSW and Queensland.

Following Sheargold’s remarks about Kerr and her fiancee Mewis on Monday, the conversation then moved to Australia hosting the women’s Asian Cup next year.

‘Oh god. The Asian Cup,’ Sheargold said.

‘I’d rather hammer a nail through the head of my penis than watch that. Got any men’s sport?’

Meshel shared a lengthy post to Instagram on Wednesday, praising the radio station for dumping a ‘toxic’ male presenter

His outburst was described as ‘outrageous’ by interim Matildas coach Tom Sermanni, who was part of a chorus of criticism.

Sheargold was also slammed by Federal Sports Minister Annika Wells, Matildas midfielder Clare Wheeler and the players’ union, Professional Footballers Australia.

PFA chief executive Beau Busch described the remarks as ‘disgusting, pathetic and deeply misogynistic’, while Football Australia lashed out at Sheargold’s comments in a statement on Wednesday.

‘As sporting teams we’re used to criticism but sometimes the comments cross the line,’ Sermanni said.

‘That one certainly did cross the line; it was completely unnecessary and generally outrageous.

‘It’s something that from a behavioural perspective is really very disappointing.

‘The comments just crossed the line and were basically out of order and very unnecessary.’

Wells branded his comments ‘boorish, boring and wrong’ while former Matildas star Alex Chidiak wrote that she was ‘so sick of this s***’ and Wheeler said: ‘Sport is for everyone and these views are for no one.’

During his radio show on Monday, Sheargold told listeners ‘there’s something wrong with the Matildas ‘ before comparing the team to ‘Year 10 girls’ and asking if superstar striker Sam Kerr and her fiancee Kristie Mewis ‘play the same position’

Sheargold issued an apology on social media on Wednesday morning, writing: ‘Any comedy, including mine, can miss the mark sometimes, and I can see why people may have taken offence to my comments regarding the Matildas. I sincerely apologise.’

Triple M also apologised on social media on Wednesday, writing: ‘Marty Sheargold’s comments regarding the Matildas made on Triple M Drive on Monday, 24 February do not align with Triple M’s views and values, and Triple M remains steadfast in its strong support of all women’s and men’s sports. We sincerely apologise for any offence or distress caused.’

However, the apologies went over badly with many fans, who blasted the broadcaster for blocking fans from expressing their thoughts on the post.

‘Nothing like making an apology and then turning comments off,’ one wrote.

‘”I can see why people may have taken offence.” That’s not taking responsibility, that’s shifting blame. Taking responsibility would be, “My actions/words were offensive and I apologise.” That’s not an apology, that’s a deflection,’ added another.

Sheargold’s comments sparked a fierce reaction on social media, with many people calling for him to be fired from Triple M.

One commenter on X wrote: ‘Disgusting he is a pos and should be sacked.’

‘Sorry you took offence at my poor attempt at comedy’ is not an apology and it is disgraceful that Marty Sheargold is still employed by @TripleMMelb after his misogynistic rant,’ added another.

The comedian’s comments were branded ‘outrageous’ by interim Matildas coach Tom Sermanni (pictured second from left with his team earlier this week)

‘His sexism shouldn’t be allowed airtime in 2025,’ wrote another sports fan who wants Sheargold removed from his job.

‘Marty Sheargold, count your days. This is one of the worst things I’ve heard said on radio in a long time,’ added another, who also listed several broadcasting rules she claimed the DJ had breached with his comments.

Sheargold’s fellow Triple M presenter, Aussie Olympic swimming great Leisel Jones, broke down in tears live on air on Wednesday as she discussed his comments.

‘The comments are so hurtful against women’s sport that The Marty Sheargold Show shared. And obviously I’ve been quite upset all morning, and I was upset when I came in,’ Jones said.

February 26, 2025
Em Rusciano Reveals Devastating Impact of False Accusation on Her Mental Health: ‘I Couldn’t Leave my Bed for a Month’

Em Rusciano has revealed that being accused of faking her autism and ADHD diagnosis led to depression and paranoia.

The former radio star tells this week’s Stellar Magazine that she was unable to get out of bed as she faced public scrutiny over her admission that she was struggling with the developmental disabilities.

‘It’s such a wild thing to accuse someone of. I took to carrying around my diagnostic report in hardcopy and digital, that’s how upsetting it was. I didn’t get out of bed for a month’ the 45-year-old said.

‘It was my worst fear. It really took me out and down. It made me not want to continue talking about it, but it’s who I am; to shut that part off would be doing 10-year-old Em a disservice, so I spent many months picking myself up.’

She added: ‘And then I got over myself and realised that I don’t need the validation.’

Em Rusciano (pictured) has revealed that being accused of faking her autism and ADHD diagnosis led to depression and paranoia

It comes after media personality Meshel Laurie falsely implied that the comedian was using her condition for ‘clout’.

‘The truth is, I’ve spent a lifetime developing coping techniques to try and fit in, I became an expert at appearing ‘fine’ but in reality my apparent competence was actually heavy duty masking,’ Em wrote online in response.

‘That’s how it is for most late diagnosed women, I now know so many of my mental health issues were because I was trying to force my brain into neuro-typical structures and systems that were not designed for me.’

Em continued: ‘I simply did not understand why life was so bloody exhausting, then I found out it was because I was having to spend all my time pretending that I found certain parts of it easy.

‘It’s such a wild thing to accuse someone of. I took to carrying around my diagnostic report in hardcopy and digital, that’s how upsetting it was. I didn’t get out of bed for a month’ the 45-year-old said

‘I didn’t know that everyone else just knew how to make the right amount of eye contact during a conversation with a stranger.

‘I have great attention to detail because I spend hours anxiously pouring over everything I do in case there is a mistake and someone realises I am not really up to the task.

‘I self monitor in social interactions, I work really hard to not interrupt the person talking, to not take the conversation over and go on a five minute info dumping spree because they’ve mentioned a topic I know all about. When I’m excited or tired or anxious I stim.’

At the time, Em received some unwarranted backlash online after revealing that she had planned to possibly utilise the ‘sensory inclusivity room’ at Marvel Stadium during a Harry Style concert in Melbourne.

‘I’m extremely sensitive to light and sound and textures. Sensory overload and burnout happen to me five or six times a week, that’s why when I saw that Marvel stadium had a sensory room, I was excited,’ she explained after being criticised.

‘It was my worst fear. It really took me out and down. It made me not want to continue talking about it, but it’s who I am; to shut that part off would be doing 10-year-old Em a disservice, so I spent many months picking myself up’ she said

‘These are only a couple of examples of how my ASD shows up, but I shouldn’t have to explain myself. Yet this week I’ve found myself having to endure people debating if I’m autistic enough or even at all. How is that okay?’

The former radio star also called the questions around her autism, ‘limiting and ableist’ and that neurodivergent women, whose symptoms can present slightly differently to those in men, are often left out of the conversation.

‘The only examples of ADHD and autism I had seen were the male presentation. But that’s the whole point, that’s why representation matters. More women like me need to be seen and heard so that we can change the attitudes and narratives around ADHD and ASD,’ she said.

To prove her credibility to naysayers who have questioned her diagnosis and intentions behind publicising it, Rusciano read out her doctor’s assessment during an episode of her podcast.

Breaking down in tears, she said she felt like she needed to carry her report around with her at all times ‘to pull out’ if she’s ever questioned again.

Last year, she explained why her autism and ADHD are more visible since she was formally diagnosed with the developmental disabilities

The star had originally been refused a diagnosis by a male psychiatrist, who felt she didn’t meet the criteria, but she later found a female psychiatrist who was able to assess her.

Rusciano was diagnosed with level one autism in November 2022, just one year after being diagnosed with ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder).

Last year, she explained why her autism and ADHD are more visible since she was formally diagnosed with the developmental disabilities.

In a video shared to Instagram Stories, the podcaster says she’s been ‘masking’ her autistic behaviours her whole life and finally feels free to express her true self.

‘If you’re late diagnosed ADHD, autistic, you might come across people saying that all of a sudden, you’re acting more more autistic or you’re acting more ADHD,’ she began in the clip.

It comes after media personality Meshel Laurie falsely implied that the comedian was using her condition for ‘clout’

‘I’m going to give you a reason for that. So our whole lives, there’s been two planes we’ve existed on. What’s actually been going on in our head, and what we’ve been doing with our bodies to mask and fit in,’ Em continued.

‘And that’s what makes us so exhausted and unwell. So when we get this diagnosis, we realise we don’t want to have the two planes. We want our minds and bodies to match up.

‘So we started giving ourselves permission to drop that mask and to close the gap between our body and our head. And that’s why you will all of a sudden start behaving more true to how you’re actually feeling.

‘And you’re actually not putting on an act, you’re actually being more yourself than you’ve ever been in your life,’ the singer concluded.

‘The truth is, I’ve spent a lifetime developing coping techniques to try and fit in, I became an expert at appearing ‘fine’ but in reality my apparent competence was actually heavy duty masking,’ Em wrote online in response

May 4, 2024
Meshel Laurie, a proud Victorian, backs Kyle and Jackie O’s Melbourne relocation, predicting they will take the top spot.

Kyle Sandilands and Jackie ‘O’ Henderson are set to bring their top-rating breakfast show to Melbourne next week.

And media personality Meshel Laurie has thrown her support behind the controversial move.

In a lengthy post on her Instagram, Laurie, 50, gushed over the duo, telling followers that the Sydney-based radio stars were destined to make it to the ‘number one’ spot in the southern capital by October.

‘As a proud Victorian and an ardent fan of Kyle and Jackie O, I have my reasons for tuning in to their show at the end of April,’ Laurie said.

Describing the pair as ‘entertainers par excellence’, Laurie added they were arguably the best [hosts] in Australia and commanded ‘a significant presence on the global stage as well.’

Media personality Meshel Laurie has thrown her support behind Kyle and Jackie O’s Melbourne move ahead of their debut in the southern capital next week. Pictured: Kyle Sandilands and Jackie ‘O’ Henderson

‘Their show isn’t about education or defining identities; it’s about two friends sharing laughs over everyday topics—the kind you’d discuss at a BBQ or over drinks with friends. That’s the kind of content I can get behind,’ she continued.

She ended her post with a fearless prediction.

‘I’m really excited for Kyle and Jackie O to bring their show to Melbourne and wish them continued success after 22 years of hard work. They truly deserve it. Melbourne has never heard a radio show like Kyle and Jackie O, and I think they will be number one by October. Will you listen?’

‘As a proud Victorian and an ardent fan of Kyle and Jackie O, I have my reasons for tuning in to their show at the end of April,’ Laurie said

‘I love them! They’re great,’ one fan messaged, and added: ‘But I love you more Meshel.’

‘I already have all my smart devices set to KIIS FM in anticipation of this,’ commented another fan.

They continued: ‘I love waking up hearing them talk the way real people actually talk behind closed doors, ha, ha, I’m all about it.’

Fans respond to Kyle and Jackie O’s controversial move into the Melbourne market

However, one fan appeared to question why the Sydneysiders were taking the role of Melbourne broadcasters.

‘No hate on Kyle and Jackie O, but surely we can invest in a bit of local talent and not centralise everything,’ they said.

KIIS FM Melbourne breakfast show Jase and Lauren was axed to accomodate Kyle and Jackie O’s expansion into Melbourne.

Kyle and Jackie O are neck-and-neck with Fifi, Fev and Nick in the latest survey, released this month, as each show takes out the number one spots in Sydney and Melbourne. (Fifi, Fev and Nick, all pictured)

The show was dumped by parent company ARN to make way for a syndicated broadcast of The Kyle and Jackie O Show, as part of a $200million deal the pair signed in November.

Meanwhile, the latest ratings indicate that Kyle and Jackie O have may strong rivals ahead of their Melbourne launch on April 29.

The pair are neck-and-neck with Fifi, Fev and Nick in the latest survey, released this month, as each show takes out the number one spots in Sydney and Melbourne.

KIIS FM Melbourne breakfast show Jase and Lauren was axed to accomodate Kyle and Jackie O’s expansion into Melbourne

According to GFK Radio Ratings, Kyle and Jackie O once again landed Sydney’s #1 breakfast show in AM and FM for their 42nd consecutive survey, just over a week ahead of their expansion into Melbourne territory.

But they have stiff competition ahead as 101.9 The Fox’s Fifi Box, Brendan Fevola and Nick Cody secured their own crown as Melbourne’s most listened to FM breakfast show for their 11th consecutive survey.

April 23, 2024