The former workplace of Lisa Jane Spencer has responded to the backlash over her viral video in which she “transitioned” into an Aboriginal woman as a ‘comedy skit’.
Spencer has been at the centre of controversy this week after sharing a deeply offensive clip in which she mocked Aboriginal customs and reiterated harmful racial stereotypes while ‘joking’ that she had “started identifying as a Blackfella”.
Now, her former workplace, Victoria’s Peninsula Hot Springs spa and accommodation, has said it is “aware of concerns” about the video in a statement shared on Instagram today. It’s not clear when Spencer worked for the business.
“Peninsula Hot Springs is aware of concerns that have been raised regarding social media content circulating online from a former employee,” the business wrote.
“We want to acknowledge and sincerely recognise the concern and disappointment that has been expressed, particularly by members of First Nations communities, community partners and those who have reached out to us directly.”
The business said it “not support or endorse content that is inconsistent with our values or our commitment to inclusion, respect and cultural safety”, before sharing its “deepest respect” for the Aboriginal community.
“For more than two decades, Peninsula Hot Springs has been privileged to build meaningful relationships with First Nations peoples, artists, cultural practitioners, team members and community partners,” the statement read.
“These relationships helped shape our journey and continue to influence how we learn, grow and operate as an organisation. We hold the deepest respect for these communities and remain committed to fostering a culturally safe, inclusive and welcoming environment for all.”
Spencer refused to apologise for the clip at the height of the backlash on Wednesday, claiming in an Instagram post that she “love[s] Aboriginal people” and that her “joke was about how easy it is to perform identity for attention”.
“So I apologise to absolutely nobody. Not to the Aboriginals… Indians… and anyone else who I have and will continue to make jokes,” Spencer said.
SBS was forced to share a statement on Wednesday after it became aware that Spencer had used its Insight logo as a watermark in the video, saying it had reported her, that it “condemns racism” and that “the posts are in no way associated with our content”.
Spencer doubled-down on the video in a statement to news.com.au earlier today.
“I stand by the jokes. This is comedy. I make fun of everyone equally. Plenty of people loved the video. I find the Welcome To Country offensive,” she said.
At the time of writing, the video is still viewable on Spencer’s social media pages.
Lead images: Lisa Jane Spencer/TikTok and Peninsula Hot Springs/Instagram
The post The Former Workplace Of That So-Called ‘Comedian’ Has Responded To Her Deeply Offensive ‘Skit’ appeared first on PEDESTRIAN.TV .
