Australian radio presenter Marty Sheargold has departed station Triple M after he claimed he’d prefer to impale his genitals than watch the women’s national football team, the Matildas.Shock-jock Sheargold told listeners of his show on Monday that he “would rather hammer a nail through the head of [his] penis” than watch the Matildas and compared the team to schoolgirls.His comments provoked furious and widespread condemnation and accusations of misogyny, with Australian sports minister Anika Wells calling them “boorish, boring and wrong”.
Sheargold apologised on Tuesday, saying “any comedy including mine can miss the mark” but was absent on Wednesday, after which Triple M confirmed they had “mutually parted ways”.“Southern Cross Austereo takes its responsibility to listeners, shareholders, and clients seriously and its programming should align with the standards and expectations of its audience,” said Dave Cameron, chief content officer of the station’s parent company.“Right now, it’s clear this is a moment for reflection and review.
Triple M, and the wider SCA network, will continue to take all necessary steps to support staff.”Sheargold said he now understood “the gravity of my comments”, adding: “I’d like to sincerely apologise to the Matildas and the broader organisation.”It is not the first time that Sheargold, 53, has caused outrage with his comments.
In 2023 he was accused of swearing at the station’s clients while at a sport.
