Mel McLaughlin, the journalist who was asked for a drink by cricket player Chris Gayle while trying to conduct an interview, has addressed the sexism row, saying “we want equality”.
Gayle was criticised after asking the presenter for a drink and then telling her: “Don’t blush baby” during a televised interview following his match for the Melbourne Renegades.
Ms McLaughin, who responded to the advances by stating: “I’m not blushing”, has now labelled the exchange “disappointing”, reports the Guardian.
“It was unexpected of course, because you’re not expecting that sort of answer and it’s a little bit disappointing because I’m not used to seeing that, it just doesn’t happen normally.”
Ms McLaughin, who works for Australian broadcaster Network Ten, said she doesn’t like being the subject of such conversations and instead likes “just going about my business and doing my job”.
Although she adds that if conversations around gender equality, particularly in the sports reporting world, are being had as a result of the incident that is a positive.
“It’s definitely a good thing if people are talking and, you know, we want equality.”
The West Indies batsman has since apologised saying: “There wasn’t anything at all meant to be disrespectful or offensive to Mel and if she felt that way I’m really sorry for that.”
He also played down the controversy as a “simple joke” that “went out of proportion”.
Ms McLaughin said she accepts Gayle’s apology and would like to now move on.
Gayle, 36, was fined $10,000 for the incident and condemned by his team’s chief executive Stuart Coventry who said the remarks were “completely inappropriate and disrespectful”.
