Australian media is home to some of the top presenters and journalists.

However, several figures stir the pot with their opinions about certain matters.

A host's latest controversy left many Aussies scratching their heads, wondering how a figure with such a public profile could find himself in such a contentious situation.


Former AFL Footy Show host Sam Newman found himself at the centre of a firestorm yet again.

The host invited Thomas Sewell and Blair Cottrell to his podcast, You Cannot Be Serious.

The episode, which delved into sensitive topics, including the Holocaust and Adolf Hitler, drew widespread condemnation from anti-hate groups and the public.


However, in a subsequent edition of his podcast, Newman made a head-scratching claim.

According to Newman, he never invited Cottrell to the show.

Cottrell tagged along with Sewell and then attempted to associate himself with Newman's more prominent reputation.


'He was not invited, and he thought he was a star f***er. He thought he'd link me to his cause,' Newman stated.

Newman vehemently denied any support or sympathy for neo-Nazi ideologies.

'Cottrell turned up, and in his p**** little world that he lives in, his diminutive, p**** little world where he can't make it on his own, he tries to link people with stronger juices,' Newman exclaimed. 'He's a parasite.'

The Anti-Defamation Commission (ADC) blasted Newman for his 'moral collapse'.

ADC Chairman Dvir Abramovich accused Newman of giving the duo a platform despite being neo-Nazis.

Their public appearance was deemed disrespectful to Holocaust survivors and the soldiers who fought against Nazism.


Newman proceeded to distance himself from any groups related to Cotrell's ideology.

'I have Muslim friends, many of them. I do not have any friends who are Nazis or Neo Nazis, none,' he clarified.

However, the controversy was further fuelled after Cotrell posted a video splicing together old footage of Newman from The AFL Footy Show with Nazi war propaganda.

This video insinuated to the viewers that Newman's views aligned with extremist values.

Newman then responded to the video with outrage and denounced Cottrell's deceitful actions.


Earlier this year, Sam Newman also faced backlash for reportedly walking out during an Acknowledgement of Country speech at an Australia Day event.

He also drew flak for his past for comments on Indigenous culture, including urging Australians to boo the Welcome to Country ceremony at the AFL grand final and criticising Telstra's First Nations hotline.

This time, despite Newman's attempts to disavow any connection to neo-Nazi groups, he could be dealing with a massive damage to his reputation.

Sam Newman's issues should serve as a stark reminder of the responsibilities that come with a public platform, especially when engaging with extremist figures.

It's also a reminder that the choices we make in who we associate with, even indirectly, could have far-reaching implications.
How do you feel about public figures interviewing controversial guests? Do you believe Newman's claims? Let's discuss the fine line between free speech and responsible broadcasting in the comments section below!