Aussies have hit out after a Channel Nine reporter sensationally cut short a lifeguard as he tried to publicly recognise those who helped victims during the Bondi Beach terror attack.
Ben Davies, a former lifeguard and creator of Bondi Rescue, was speaking with A Current Affair about the actions of local surf lifesavers who rushed into danger as gunfire erupted on Sunday evening.
During the interview, Mr Davies described the response as “extraordinary” and that it restored faith in humanity.
“It gives you hope … there’s more good people in the world than bad people,” he told reporter Leila McKinnon.
Mr Davies then asked if he could read out the names of the lifeguards who assisted at the scene. He was stopped mid-sentence.
“We don’t have time for that. I’m really sorry but no. Thank you so much for coming on,” McKinnon replied. “I think we’ll just leave it there. There is hope and Bondi will overcome.”
McKinnon then crossed to host Ally Langdon. There was an awkward pause before Langdon started speaking can the camera panned to crop Mr Davies out of the shot.
The moment sparked backlash online, with viewers accusing the program of disrespecting those who risked their lives.
“That’s a shame. They had to time to say their piece, but not acknowledge people who were very brave. Good on Ben for trying to do that. Really poor form on Channel 9 and A Current Affairs part,” wrote one X user.
“His face said it all. I’m so sorry they didn’t give you the time to acknowledge those lifeguards. This country is so grateful to you all for what you do,” wrote another.
“So disrespectful,” weighed in a third.
Mr Davies, who is a Bondi local, was among many members of the public and surf lifesavers who responded in the immediate aftermath of the attack.
Footage from the attack showed surfboards being turned into stretchers as responders desperately attempted to save lives.
Mr Davies said he ran to the lifeguard tower after hearing gunshots to ensure his son had made it safely off the beach.
“The boys were running to grab supplies and oxygen bottles and medical kits,” he said.
“Instead of going with the crowd, they ran into it.
“They went into the area where people are on the ground bleeding, and started performing first aid … bullets still going off.
“That was absolutely like a war zone. It was a massacre.”
Police allege Naveed Akram, 24, and his father Sajid, 50, opened fire at a Hannukah by the Sea event, killing 15 people and injuring at least 40 others.
The lifeguards who ran into the line of fire to treat the wounded are: Michael Jenkinson, Troy Quinlan, Mario Marfella, Rory Davey, Jackson Doolan, Daniel McLaughlin, Trent Maxwell, Trent “Singlets”, Frankie Desrets, Eddy Hudson, Lindsey Lowry, Wally Egelton, Tommy Woodriff.
A Nine spokesperson told news.com.au that audio feedback delays and fast-moving rolling coverage were to blame.
“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.”
