Actor Claudia Karvan has spearheaded a series of racial discrimination complaints against News Corp and its affiliated media outlets, including Sky News. These complaints, filed with the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC), involve high-profile commentators such as Andrew Bolt and Sharri Markson. The complaints stem from their coverage of the October 2023 massacre and the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, which has sparked significant political repercussions and protests in Australia.
The complaints were lodged on behalf of Karvan, alongside Peter Slezak, an associate professor at the University of Sydney, and Nasser Mashni, president of the Australia Palestine Advocacy Network. Eight additional complainants are represented by pseudonyms to protect their identities. The allegations assert that various articles and media appearances by News Corp figures have dehumanised and vilified Palestinians, Arabs, and Muslims in Australia, while also trivialising the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza.
The complaints describe the tone of the reporting as lacking balance and being deliberately inflammatory. They argue that the coverage incites negative public sentiment against not only Australian Palestinians but also Australian Arabs, Muslims, and some Jewish Australians who support the Palestinian cause.
Investigation and Legal Proceedings
With the AHRC’s acceptance of the complaints, an investigation will ensue to determine their validity. If substantiated, the cases could proceed to conciliation under the commission’s jurisdiction. Should conciliation efforts fail, the path could lead to legal action in the Federal Court. It is important to note that acceptance of the complaints by the AHRC does not imply any endorsement of their content; it merely indicates that they will be examined.
Karvan expressed her concerns in the complaints, stating that the commentary from News Corp and Sky News has made her feel silenced and fearful. She claims that the media portrayal has demonised her for advocating for Palestinian rights. The complaints highlight an alleged incident in November 2023, where Slezak faced intimidation, illustrating the broader climate of fear reported by those supporting the Palestinian cause.
The legal team representing the complainants, Birchgrove Legal, is calling for apologies, retractions, and financial compensation. Specific complaints target Bolt and Markson individually, while others encompass a wider range of articles published by News Corp, affecting 15 journalists and commentators, as well as 12 presenters from Sky News.
Reactions from News Corp and Sky News
In response to the complaints, Sky News defended its reporting on the Hamas terrorist attacks and the subsequent conflict, asserting that their coverage is justified and accurate. A spokesperson stated that the network stands by its portrayal of events surrounding the conflict and its impact on Australia.
The complaint against Bolt includes references to 11 of his articles and seven Sky News appearances between October 2023 and February 2025. Notably, Bolt’s comments have included references to Gaza having a “very sick culture” and characterising pro-Palestinian protests as “likely to be violent, destructive, abusive and threatening.” The complaints characterise Bolt as a “contrarian, controversy-confecting commentator,” whose rhetoric allegedly inflames public sentiment against various groups.
This is not the first time Bolt has faced allegations of racial discrimination. In 2011, a judge ruled against him for breaching the Racial Discrimination Act in two articles that claimed individuals with light skin identifying as Aboriginal did so for personal gain.
A spokesperson for News Corp indicated that the AHRC had terminated complaints against several of its publications and figures, including Markson. However, Moustafa Keir from Birchgrove Legal contested this claim, affirming that no complaints had been terminated and urging all parties to engage with the process in good faith.
The complaints underscore a growing tension in Australian society regarding the portrayal of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in media. They also highlight ongoing debates about free speech, media responsibility, and the impact of public discourse on vulnerable communities.
The AHRC’s investigation will be closely observed as it navigates the complexities of these complaints, balancing the need for accountability in media representation while addressing concerns regarding freedom of expression. The outcomes could have lasting implications for media practices in Australia and the broader discourse surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
