Australian TV anchors caught abusing Novak Djokovic in leaked video [Watch]
A leaked video clip which displays Australian TV hosts lashing out at Novak Djokovic during a personal discussion has gone viral on the internet.
Mike Amor and Rebecca Maddern of Seven News were heard speaking badly of No.1 seed Novak Djokovic off air, calling him a "lying, sneaky a**hole" seemingly on the subject of the Serbian tennis star making a false declaration about his travel history before coming to Australia.
During the off-air discussion which was leaked online, the news anchors were heard criticising Novak Djokovic while sitting in the studio. As maintained by Sky News, the exchange happened just before they hosted the 6 pm news program.
"Whatever way you look at it, Novak Djokovic is a lying sneaky a***hole," Maddern said.
"He got a bullshit f***ing excuse and then fell over his own f***ing lies. It's just what happens, right, that's what happened," her co-host Mike Amor replied. "And then, he now thinks he didn't go to Spain," Maddern said in response
Mike Amor and Bec Maddern forgetting the camera/mic is always on 🤣🤣🤣 #Djokovic pic.twitter.com/shre3hZpH8
— #OkBoomers🥉 (@MelbTigerTalk) January 11, 2022
The leaked clip has drawn numerous opinion on social media, with some angry at the TV hosts and others underlining that a private exchange between two individuals should never have been made public.
According to Daily Mail, Craig McPherson, Seven Network Director of News and Public Affairs, said that a probe has been initiated to find out the person responsible for leaking the clip online. Rebecca Maddern, in the meantime has expressed regret to her bosses.
Djokovic found himself at the middle of controversy following his arrival in Australia on January 5, carrying a medical exemption from vaccination because of a positive COVID test on December 16, 2020.
Following his overnight interrogation at Melbourne airport, officials decided the exemption was not licit, cancelled his visa and sent the tennis star to a detention centre awaiting deportation. The visa cancellation was revoked in court on Monday.
Australian media have also focused heavily on the accuracy of Djokovic's travel history, reportedly filled out before he flew in from Spain. The Serbian has admitted he gave a fake declaration to the Australian government about his travel history.
Also Read: COVID-19 vaccine exemption: Djokovic to pursue legal action after Australia cancels visa
First published: 12 January 2022, 13:57 IST