Gorgi Coghlan defends Jessica Mauboy’s national anthem withdrawal

The Project host Gorgi Coghlan has defended pop star Jessica Mauboy for withdrawing from singing the national anthem on Melbourne Cup day.

Ms Mauboy suffered a panic attack moments before she was due to sing, forcing organisers to find a last-minute replacement. 

Neil Mitchell and AFL legend Tony Shaw had been critical of Ms Mauboy’s withdrawal, prompting the singer to call in.

‘In 2015, we’re very aware of people’s mental health,’ Ms Coghlan said.

‘We need to be careful that we’re not dismissing people. Panic attacks are quite disabling.’

Mr Shaw had said Ms Mauboy had to be more professional.

‘You have to go the well,’ he said. 

LISTEN: Neil Mitchell’s discusses Jessica Mauboy’s withdrawal with Dee Dee Dunleavy, Tony Shaw, and Gorgi Coghlan