Mel McLaughlin responds to Chris Gayle interview

 

• Related: Tiffany Cherry blasts Gayle
• Related: Ian Chappell says he should be suspended

Channel 10 sports reporter Mel McLaughlin says she wants to move on from the furore that has broken out over her interview with West Indian cricket Chris Gayle.

‘I don’t really want to be the subject of such conversations, I like just going about my business and doing my job,’ she told Channel 10 news tonight.

‘(It’s) definitely a good thing people are talking … you know, we want equality, we always want equality.

‘I’ve always felt in my career I’ve felt nothing but respect.

‘Of course you don’t expect to get that answer (from Gayle).

‘(It’s) a little bit disappointing .. because it just doesn’t happen normally.’

Gayle has been fined $10,000 after widespread condemnation for the interview in which he said: ‘That’s the reason why I’m here, just to see your eyes for the first time. It’s nice so … Hopefully we can win this game and have a drink after. Don’t blush baby.’

McLaughlin was visibly uncomfortable during the interview with the Melbourne Renegades batsman.

Channel 10 boss David Barham said he called McLaughlin after the incident.

‘She was a bit angry … angry and upset I suppose,’ he told Tony Jones.

‘She was asking him legitimate questions about cricket and he ended up talking about her eyes.’

‘She was a bit taken aback, embarrassed. I thought it was a bit demeaning.’

Barham also:

• Said Channel 10 would no longer use Gayle as an on-field commentator: There’s plenty of great Australians in the Big Bash doing really well; I’d rather have one of those.
• Defended McLaughlin’s colleagues, after muted laughter could be heard from the studio during the interview: ‘I immediately called Mark Howard and we had a long talk about it. He was very upset about it as well.’

Click play for full interview

IAN CHAPPELL: ‘This retweet I’m looking at right now from Chris Gayle tells me any apology will be a bit hollow.’ pic.twitter.com/kmtfzoxw6y

? Cricket Talkback (@CricketTalkback) January 4, 2016

Statement re Chris Gayle on air comments tonight. pic.twitter.com/Zq6xn8fquW

? Anthony Everard (@BigBashLeagueHQ) January 4, 2016