(Updated) Papers Apologize for Running “Divisive” Cathy Wilcox Cartoon; Sihk Sacrilege in Punjab
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The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age both Nine Entertainment newspapers ran apologies for printing a Cathy Wilcox cartoon that many were offended by claiming it spotlighted an antisemitic trope.
The editorial apology was prefaced with The Herald noting that it “lead calls” for a royal commission to investigate the Bondi Beach massacre and supported the efforts of others calling for the same. That said…
The Sydney Morning Herald (or here):
Wilcox’s intention was to scrutinise the almost immediate politicisation following the horrific attack at Bondi. She by no means intended to cause hurt to the Jewish community. Her depiction of Benjamin Netanyahu, for example, is premised on his condemnation of Anthony Albanese in the hours after the attack, declaring the prime minister’s recognition of Palestine “pours fuel on the antisemitic fire”.
Many of our readers found the cartoon thought-provoking. It is undeniable, however, that many others in the community, particularly Jews, were deeply hurt and offended by it. We have heard their distress and for this pain, we sincerely apologise.
This masthead stands in support of free speech, but it acknowledges the harm it is capable of causing. There is no place in this country for hate speech. There must, however, be room for people to express their views on politics and world events. Wilcox and other cartoonists must be allowed to continue to draw the world as they see it.
Competing newspapers ran with the “belated” apology.
The Australian (or here) headlined “After days of silence, Nine finally apologises for ‘Jew-hating’ cartoon:”
Nine’s newspapers have belatedly apologised for publishing a divisive cartoon accused of “trivialising mass murder” and stoking anti-Semitism in the wake of the Bondi Beach terror attack – even as the offensive image remains on their digital news sites.
From the United Kingdom and The Daily Mail comes this headline and story:
Aussie newspaper issues a grovelling apology after publishing ‘offensive’ cartoon in aftermath of the Bondi terror attack
Daily Mail has chosen not to republish the cartoon, which showed media mogul Rupert Murdoch, anti-Semitism envoy Jillian Segal, former prime minister John Howard, Opposition Leader Sussan Ley, Coalition Senator Jacinta Price, and National Party leader David Littleproud uplifting a patch of grass full of royal commission protesters.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese last week relented to mounting pressure and ordered a royal commission into the Bondi Beach massacre.
He had previously claimed a royal commission wouldn’t provide the immediate results needed to address safety concerns and instead ordered an internal review of intelligence agencies.
Back in Australia SSBCrack News calls it “a heartfelt apology.”
Rob Klein for the Australia/New Zealand Jewish news site J-Wire also covered the apology:
The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald have today issued apologies after publishing a controversial cartoon by Cathy Wilcox that addressed the political fallout from the Bondi Beach massacre and prompted widespread claims of antisemitism.
The two mastheads, owned by Nine Entertainment, ran matching editorials on January 11 expressing regret over the offence caused by the January 7 illustration, which critics said relied on harmful stereotypes.
The episode adds to a series of disputes surrounding Wilcox’s work since October 7, 2023. A December 2024 assessment by the Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council (AIJAC) said some of her Israel-focused cartoons had skirted stereotypes, drawing repeated complaints from Jewish readers.
Next day update:
The Australian reports on reaction to the Age and SMH apologies (or here), including cartoonist Cathy Wilcox.
Headline: Cartoonist Cathy Wilcox lashes out after Nine’s half-hearted apology
No one appears to be happy after Nine apologised for publishing a now-notorious illustration about the push for a royal commission into anti-Semitism … not least the cartoonist who drew it.
Critics were underwhelmed, claiming the apology lacked sincerity and shifted blame to those who felt the illustration was irresponsible and inflammatory.
Wilcox and her defenders were equally unimpressed and took to social media to express outrage at the tabloids’ contrition within hours of the apology going live.
“When this blows over, I might have to share some of the emails I’ve received … which really make me wonder why I am the one accused of hatred,” [Cathy Wilcox] wrote. “There is deep unresolved trauma being spewed by some people and we cannot consent to living according to their warped reality.”
Meanwhile…
Grave Act of Sacrilege by Portraying Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji in Cartoon Form
Far northwest of Australia in Punjab another religion is being offended. From the Punjab News Express:
CHANDIGARH: The ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Punjab has once again displayed a deeply disturbing and unacceptable disregard for Sikh religious sentiments, core Sikh principles, and the sanctity of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. These serious allegations were raised by BJP Punjab Spokesperson Pritpal Singh Baliawal.
Presenting concrete evidence, Pritpal Singh Baliawal stated that under the Punjab Government’s campaign “War Against Drugs–2”, a programme titled “Village Guards” was recently launched. During this programme, pamphlets were distributed and audio-visual material was screened in which Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji was depicted in a book-like format and portrayed in a cartoonish manner. Such representation, he emphasized, amounts to a direct and grave act of sacrilege.
He further pointed out that the content also depicted the character of a Granthi Singh in a distorted and derogatory manner, which is entirely contrary to Sikh Maryada, religious decorum, and long-established Sikh traditions.
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