An ABC star has called out an online troll for taking a swipe at her sexuality while accusing her of writing a ‘hit piece’ on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
RN Breakfast host Patricia Karvelas was subjected to the abuse after writing an article criticising Mr Albanese following his Cabinet reshuffle on Sunday.
‘Not surprised by another hit piece on Anthony Albanese from the LNP’s favourite lesbian, Patricia Karvelas,’ the social media user wrote on X.
‘She is so biased I’ve had to turn off RN in the mornings and go back to ABC Sydney.’
Karvelas’ response was short and simple: ‘What’s my sexuality got to do with anything?’
Dozens of social media users voiced their support for Karvelas’ blunt response and applauded her for calling out the unnecessary comment.
‘More importantly, I can think of a number of lesbians who would be furious to rank below you in LNP favourites,’ one wrote.
‘Spare a thought for the less popular lesbians though!’ another said.
‘Nothing. This type of nasty stuff needs to stop,’ another wrote.
Other commenters encouraged Karvelas to pay more attention to the critic’s accusation of bias in her reporting.
‘Your sexuality does not and should not have anything to do with journalism and should not be used against you in any way,’ one wrote.
‘Having said that, you are biased which is why I turn the TV off when you come on.’
‘Sexuality isn’t relevant, I’m surprised you let the bit about being biased slide by without comment though. That is actually relevant,’ another wrote.
‘It is your rampant political bias that is the problem,’ a third said.
Karvelas’ response comes just months after she was forced to speak out against online trolls who mocked the struggles she faced as a closeted lesbian journalist at the start of her career.
The ABC TV and radio presenter had to keep her sexuality a secret so she would not miss out on workplace opportunities as a cadet reporter in Canberra in 2003.
When she first started out in the Press Gallery, she made sure certain anti-LGBTQ+ politicians did not find out about her sexual orientation.
Karvelas told ABCQueer in October that ‘every day was a day of navigation’ as she tried to keep her sexuality a secret.
After Karvelas revealed details about how she came out, trolls on social media posted cruel comments about the award-winning journalist, with some claiming her Greek family was not proud of her because of her sexuality.
‘Trolls target me for hours with vile stuff. My family is really proud of me thanks,’ Karvelas wrote at the time.
‘The stuff I’ve read is truly shocking I didn’t even share the worst. Sexualised homophobia it made me sick.’
Karvelas’ supporters slammed the keyboard warriors and described her response as brave.
Since starting out in the gallery, where she worked for the n, Karvelas went on to join Sky News before landing her current role with the public broadcaster.