Mitch Brown, the first openly queer player in the Australian Football League (AFL), has made serious allegations about an interaction with a media employee that questioned his bisexuality. The incident occurred during Lady Gaga’s concert in Melbourne, where Brown was approached by a staff member from a leading Australian media organization. This revelation was shared through a video on his Instagram account on Friday.
In the video, Brown recounted the “confronting” moment when he was approached in the bathroom by an unnamed woman. He stated, “I’ve been meaning to talk to you and you know, can I just say this … I just don’t believe you. I don’t believe you’re bisexual. I just need you to prove it to me.” This remark left him feeling unsettled, as he noted that while he is accustomed to receiving such comments online, this was the first time he faced such skepticism in person.
The former player for the West Coast Eagles expressed his discomfort during the exchange, saying it caused him to feel “thrown” and “a bit put off.” After attempting to clarify his sexuality, he was met with further doubt. The woman allegedly responded, “Oh, so you’re just gay then,” which intensified his unease. Brown did not disclose her identity but emphasized that this encounter contributed to his apprehension regarding traditional football media.
In a statement to PEDESTRIAN.TV, Brown asserted, “sexuality isn’t something anyone should ever have to prove to anyone.” He urged mainstream media to invest in better education to ensure reporters and staff can engage in discussions about sexuality with respect and understanding. He added, “Definitely didn’t ruin my night,” referring to the concert experience.
Following the incident, Brown took to his Instagram Stories to express gratitude for the “beautiful comments and messages” he received from supporters. He reassured his followers that the interaction did not spoil his enjoyment of the concert, stating, “Nothing could ruin this,” alongside a photo of Lady Gaga performing on stage.
This incident highlights ongoing challenges within sports media when addressing issues of sexuality. Earlier this year, Brown publicly criticized AFL clubs that chose to remain silent following his coming out announcement and voiced concerns about homophobia in the sport. He has also addressed negative reactions he received after calling out Geelong Cats player Bailey Smith for a controversial costume choice.
Mitch Brown’s experiences underscore the importance of respectful dialogue around sexuality, especially in environments such as sports, where traditional norms can create barriers to acceptance. His advocacy continues to shine a light on the need for change within the industry.
