Nine Network pulls scene after disturbing truth about actor exposed
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In a move that’s left viewers and industry insiders alike reeling, the Nine Network has scrambled to remove a controversial re-enactment from a recent 60 Minutes episode after a shocking revelation about the actor involved came to light.
The story, which has all the makings of a real-life drama, raises important questions about vetting, responsibility, and the impact of actual crime television.
The episode in question featured a harrowing re-enactment of an alleged rape, with actor Joel Aaron Baker cast as the knife-wielding perpetrator.
The segment was part of a broader investigation into the case of Hazel Behan, an Irish woman who claims she was attacked in 2004 by Christian Brückner, a suspect in the Madeleine McCann case.
Baker, clad in black and masked, played out the terrifying scene for viewers—unbeknownst to them, he had just been convicted of a domestic violence offence days before the episode aired.
What’s even more unsettling is that Baker himself took to social media to boast about his role, sharing clips and promoting his appearance on the program.
This self-promotion, coming so soon after his conviction, has understandably caused distress to his ex-wife’s family and sparked outrage among viewers.
A Shocking Overlap of Fact and Fiction
On May 29, just ten days before the 60 Minutes episode went to air, Baker appeared in Sutherland Local Court.
While he was cleared of assaulting his wife, he was convicted of destroying or damaging property in a domestic violence-related incident.
The court placed him on a 12-month conditional release order and issued a two-year apprehended violence order to protect his wife, restricting his contact and movements.
Despite this, Baker was cast as a violent criminal in a high-profile re-enactment, and the network was unaware of his recent conviction.
The footage aired, and Baker wasted no time in sharing his 'achievement' online, much to the horror of those who knew about his real-life legal troubles.
The Network’s Response
After the news broke, Nine Network bosses moved quickly to distance themselves from the controversy.
A spokesperson explained that actors for re-enactments are sourced through talent agencies and that the network had not been informed of Baker’s criminal record.
They have since begun the process of editing the episode to remove the offending footage from online platforms.
This incident has highlighted a significant gap in the vetting process for actors involved in sensitive and potentially triggering content.
It’s a stark reminder that, even in the world of television, real-life consequences can’t be ignored.
The Ethics of True Crime Re-enactments
True crime programming has long walked a fine line between informing the public and sensationalising trauma.
Re-enactments, in particular, are designed to bring stories to life, but they also risk retraumatising victims and their families.
When the actor involved has a history of violence, the ethical stakes are even higher.
For many viewers—especially those in our Seniors Discount Club community who have seen the evolution of television standards over the decades—this incident may prompt questions about how much responsibility networks should bear for the people they put on screen.
Should there be stricter background checks for actors in sensitive roles? How can networks ensure they’re not inadvertently glorifying or enabling problematic behaviour?
A Closer Look at Joel Aaron Baker
Baker, 36, is no stranger to the screen. He’s appeared in several productions, including the acclaimed World War II miniseries The Narrow Road to the Deep North, where he played an Australian prisoner of the Japanese.
Until recently, he managed a McDonald’s outlet, but he now describes himself as an actor, model, DJ, and 'digital creator.'
His social media presence, however, has raised eyebrows. In response to a follower’s comment on his 60 Minutes role, Baker made a flippant remark that only added fuel to the fire, further demonstrating a lack of sensitivity to the gravity of both his on-screen and off-screen actions.
What Happens Next?
The Nine Network’s swift action to remove the footage is a step in the right direction, but it also serves as a cautionary tale for the entire industry.
As true crime and dramatic reenactments continue to be popular, networks must balance storytelling with ethical responsibility, not just to their viewers but also to the real people whose lives are affected by these stories.
Do you think networks should be held more accountable for who they cast in sensitive roles? Have you noticed a change in the way true crime is presented on TV? And how do you feel about the use of re-enactments in news and current affairs programs? We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences.
Read more: Aussie comic makes 'vile' joke at first gig, gets cancelled instantly
The story, which has all the makings of a real-life drama, raises important questions about vetting, responsibility, and the impact of actual crime television.
The episode in question featured a harrowing re-enactment of an alleged rape, with actor Joel Aaron Baker cast as the knife-wielding perpetrator.
The segment was part of a broader investigation into the case of Hazel Behan, an Irish woman who claims she was attacked in 2004 by Christian Brückner, a suspect in the Madeleine McCann case.
A rape re-enactment was removed from a 60 Minutes episode by Nine Network after the actor was revealed to have a recent domestic violence conviction. Credit: Facebook
Baker, clad in black and masked, played out the terrifying scene for viewers—unbeknownst to them, he had just been convicted of a domestic violence offence days before the episode aired.
What’s even more unsettling is that Baker himself took to social media to boast about his role, sharing clips and promoting his appearance on the program.
This self-promotion, coming so soon after his conviction, has understandably caused distress to his ex-wife’s family and sparked outrage among viewers.
A Shocking Overlap of Fact and Fiction
On May 29, just ten days before the 60 Minutes episode went to air, Baker appeared in Sutherland Local Court.
While he was cleared of assaulting his wife, he was convicted of destroying or damaging property in a domestic violence-related incident.
The court placed him on a 12-month conditional release order and issued a two-year apprehended violence order to protect his wife, restricting his contact and movements.
Despite this, Baker was cast as a violent criminal in a high-profile re-enactment, and the network was unaware of his recent conviction.
The footage aired, and Baker wasted no time in sharing his 'achievement' online, much to the horror of those who knew about his real-life legal troubles.
After the news broke, Nine Network bosses moved quickly to distance themselves from the controversy.
A spokesperson explained that actors for re-enactments are sourced through talent agencies and that the network had not been informed of Baker’s criminal record.
They have since begun the process of editing the episode to remove the offending footage from online platforms.
This incident has highlighted a significant gap in the vetting process for actors involved in sensitive and potentially triggering content.
It’s a stark reminder that, even in the world of television, real-life consequences can’t be ignored.
True crime programming has long walked a fine line between informing the public and sensationalising trauma.
Re-enactments, in particular, are designed to bring stories to life, but they also risk retraumatising victims and their families.
When the actor involved has a history of violence, the ethical stakes are even higher.
For many viewers—especially those in our Seniors Discount Club community who have seen the evolution of television standards over the decades—this incident may prompt questions about how much responsibility networks should bear for the people they put on screen.
Should there be stricter background checks for actors in sensitive roles? How can networks ensure they’re not inadvertently glorifying or enabling problematic behaviour?
Baker, 36, is no stranger to the screen. He’s appeared in several productions, including the acclaimed World War II miniseries The Narrow Road to the Deep North, where he played an Australian prisoner of the Japanese.
Until recently, he managed a McDonald’s outlet, but he now describes himself as an actor, model, DJ, and 'digital creator.'
His social media presence, however, has raised eyebrows. In response to a follower’s comment on his 60 Minutes role, Baker made a flippant remark that only added fuel to the fire, further demonstrating a lack of sensitivity to the gravity of both his on-screen and off-screen actions.
What Happens Next?
The Nine Network’s swift action to remove the footage is a step in the right direction, but it also serves as a cautionary tale for the entire industry.
As true crime and dramatic reenactments continue to be popular, networks must balance storytelling with ethical responsibility, not just to their viewers but also to the real people whose lives are affected by these stories.
Read more: Aussie comic makes 'vile' joke at first gig, gets cancelled instantly
