Read Foxtel CEO Patrick Delany’s apology to staff for Nazi salute
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The news: Foxtel chief executive Patrick Delany emailed staff on Sunday evening to apologise for any offence caused by an image of the pay TV boss pictured “demonstrating” a nazi salute on set while he was chief executive of Fox Sports about 10 years ago.
The context: On Sunday evening, Crikey published an image of Delany depicted raising his right arm fully extended vertically, palm open and flat, with the three middle fingers of his left hand raised to his upper lip, a gesture imitating Adolf Hitler’s moustache.
In a statement, Delany said he was shocked to see the picture and could only think the action was a demonstration of an offensive salute “some Western Sydney Wanderers fans were using 10 years ago”. He said the fact he demonstrated the salute was wrong and “I unreservedly apologise”.
Since learning of the photo he said he’d spoken to a number of leaders of the Jewish community to express remorse, and requested a meeting with the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies to apologise and reaffirm his commitment to fighting antisemitism.
Delany was a signatory to the Say No to Antisemitism letter late last year.
What they said: “Hi everyone, This evening, a ten-year-old photograph of me making an inappropriate salute which is highly offensive to the Jewish community was published online. I am very sorry for my actions and sincerely apologise to people who have been hurt or offended, especially members of the Jewish community,” Delany told staff in an email after 9:00pm AEST on Sunday evening.
“Since becoming aware of this photo, I have been searching my mind for a circumstance, from over a decade ago, where a photo capturing me in this pose could ever be possible. The picture is completely inconsistent with my values and beliefs, and family connections.
“I can only think that the picture is of me demonstrating the similarity between the gesture some Western Sydney Wanderers fans were using ten years ago, and an offensive salute. While the context is important, the fact I demonstrated this offensive salute was wrong.
“As I communicated last year, I am a signatory to the Say No to Antisemitism letter of late 2023 and condemn antisemitism in any form. Racism in all its forms is not acceptable and I acknowledge the seriousness of my actions.
“Since learning of this photo, I have spoken with a number of leaders of the Jewish community to express my regret. I have also requested a meeting with the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies to sincerely apologise and reaffirm my longstanding commitment to fighting antisemitism.
“I would like to apologise to any Foxtel team members who have been hurt or offended by my actions. I am available this week to answer any questions or concerns you may have.
“Regards, Patrick.”
The sources: Foxtel, Crikey
