The ABC says it is disappointed Sydney barrister Charles Waterstreet has pulled out of a controversial appearance on a special #MeToo episode of Q&A at the 11th hour.
The public broadcaster was widely criticised for inviting the high-profile barrister to discuss the movement against sexual assault and harassment as he was recently accused of sexually harassing a 21-year-old paralegal at his Sydney chambers, an accusation he strongly denies.
Waterstreet said the New South Wales Bar Association had concerns about him being a panellist on Q&A.
(1/3) It is with deep regret that I announce that I am pulling out of the Q&A special on the #metoo movement. I would like to thank the ABC for inviting me to be on the panel. I was looking forward to discussing the topic from a legal perspective, sharing my knowledge of
— Charles Waterstreet (@CCWaterstreet) February 15, 2018
(3/3) When considering these obligations I do not consider that it would be appropriate for me to appear on the panel, given the controversial nature of the topics. I look forward to watching the other panellists tonight.
— Charles Waterstreet (@CCWaterstreet) February 15, 2018
The Bar Association confirmed that its president, Arthur Moses, wrote to Waterstreet saying it was “neither appropriate or prudent for him to appear on the Q&A television program to discuss issues concerning the #MeToo anti-sexual harassment movement”.
“The reasons for that view being expressed by the president were communicated to Waterstreet and it is not appropriate that those reasons be disclosed by the Bar Association.”
The ABC announced on Thursday just hours before the live broadcast that there had been “a late change to the panel for tonight’s special edition of Q&A on the #MeToo movement”.
“Barrister Charles Waterstreet has had to withdraw because of concerns about his appearance expressed to him by the NSW Bar Association.
“It is disappointing Mr Waterstreet will not be able to contribute to the perspectives canvassed in tonight’s discussion.”
Hosted by Virginia Trioli and screened from Southbank in Melbourne, the special edition will examine the social movement sparked by accusations against film producer Harvey Weinstein.
Despite the criticism of his inclusion, Waterstreet had said he was looking forward to a lively debate.
“I note reference to my name linked with Harvey Weinstein in some minor media [outlets],” Waterstreet told Fairfax. “The only thing I have in common with Harvey Weinstein is that we’ve made films.
“Why should I be assumed to be a perpetrator? I look forward to speaking on my own behalf.”
Waterstreet’s inclusion on the panel was labelled “deeply inappropriate” by a journalist and sexual assault survivor, Nina Funnell, who worked on the New Matilda investigation into Waterstreet’s alleged harassment of a paralegal at his Sydney chambers.
“I think it is absolutely appalling and deeply inappropriate that they would invite Charles Waterstreet on to discuss #MeToo,” Funnell, who wanted a spot on the panel herself, told Guardian Australia.
The ABC has stood firm on the inclusion of Waterstreet, despite a wave of criticism online from the legal fraternity and feminists.
“The #MeToo movement has raised highly sensitive and strongly emotive issues – and an important conversation to have,” a spokeswoman for ABC News said last month.
“In its special 15 February episode, Q&A will bring together a panel to discuss these issues.
“As always, the panel will represent a variety of perspectives and experiences, exposing Australian citizens to a range of views and ideas they may oppose, as well as those they support.”
Actor Rachel Griffiths, an early inclusion on the panel, also withdrew.
The panellists now include the Macquarie University gender studies professor Catharine Lumby, the employment lawyer Josh Bornstein, frontwoman with the Preatures Isabella Manfredi and columnist with the Australian Janet Albrechtsen.
