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.
