Channel Nine’s A Current Affair program has been blasted online after the show’s reporter cut short a Bondi lifeguard’s emotional tribute to fellow lifesavers who rushed to help victims during this week’s terror attack.
Social media users were outraged after reporter Leila McKinnon denied Bondi lifeguard Ben Davies’ request to make an on-air tribute to the heroes.
The former lifeguard and creator of Bondi Rescue was speaking on A Current Affair about the terror attack and the “extraordinary” actions of local lifeguards when McKinnon interrupted.
“It gives you hope… and it will come back because of people like that… there’s more good people in the world than bad people,” he told McKinnon.
McKinnon replied, “Yeah well, we’ll leave it there, Ben”.
Davies then asked if he could read out the names of the lifeguards who helped during the tragedy.
McKinnon quickly replied, “We don’t have time for that. I’m really sorry but no. Thank you so much.”
The moment sparked outrage online, with one viewer posting the full list of names on X while condemning the program.
“Shame on Channel Nine and A Current Affair for dismissing Ben, who simply wanted to acknowledge the lifeguards who assisted people and risked their lives at Bondi Beach,” the user wrote.
“We appreciate the lifeguards for the vital work they do on any typical day. They save countless lives—likely including before the shooting as well. I’m not sure exactly what trauma they witnessed or how many people they helped that day, but a simple acknowledgment of their efforts is well deserved and the least these presenters could have done,” she added.
“I could not believe they cut him off then continued talking s**t between themselves when they could have given him that time. Unbelievable!!” another viewer wrote.
One viewer even described the interview as “disgusting”.
Mr Davies, who lives locally, was among the lifeguards and members of the public who rushed to help the injured in the aftermath of the shooting.
“They were using rescue boards as stretchers,” he said of the lifesavers.
He said he ran to the lifeguard tower after hearing gunshots to make sure his son had made it off the beach safely.
Despite being unable to read the full list on air, Mr Davies managed to name colleagues, Rory Davey, Mario Marfella and Michael Jenkinson during the interview.
A Nine spokesperson told SkyNews.com.au: “A Current Affair is committed to recognising the extraordinary actions of the Bondi lifeguards and has been since the incident occurred.
“During Monday night’s program the lifeguard interviewed live on air acknowledged several of his colleagues by name; however audio feedback delays and a fast-moving rolling coverage environment meant not all acknowledgements were able to air.
“We acknowledge that the segment did not fully capture the recognition intended.
“We have the deepest respect for the courage and professionalism shown by lifesavers and first responders that night and will continue to highlight their stories on the program.”
