ABC’s own Charlie Pickering SLAMS decision to hand Grace Tame a taxpayer-funded podcast – as Jewish community leaders rage over her role: ‘No remorse’

Grace Tame’s new taxpayer-funded podcast with the ABC has sparked public backlash, with one of the national broadcaster’s stars describing the decision as the ‘problematic’.

The new series, Autistic AF with Grace Tame, premiered on the broadcaster’s We Need To Talk series on Tuesday.

The launch follows the former Australian of the Year’s recent claims that she could not get work following pro-Palestine comments.

Comedian and ABC star Charlie Pickering, who converted to Judaism before marrying his Jewish-American wife, gave a brutally honest opinion when he was asked by Rebel News Australia about the appointment.

‘I do actually think it’s problematic – that’s my personal opinion,’ The Weekly with Charlie Pickering host said.

‘And as you would understand, and as a Jewish Australian, there is a complete misunderstanding about a lot of words that were said and the true meaning of them.

‘People are using words and phrases that have meaning well beyond they think they do.’

Pickering was referencing Tame’s ‘globalise the intifada’ comments at a rally just weeks after the Bondi terrorist attack on a Jewish celebration, where 15 innocent lives were lost. The Intifada was a period of terrorist attacks against Jewish civilians in Israel.

Pickering was also asked if there was a misunderstanding and if people can plead ignorance over their comments.

‘I think a lot of people could argue that jump on protest bandwagons are ignorant, a lot of time,’ he replied.

He was then asked directly if Tame was ignorant.

‘I wouldn’t say that,’ Pickering said.

Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-chief executive Alex Ryvchin led the barrage of backlash from the Jewish community.

‘It seems the ABC has determined that Grace Tame is fit for employment at public expense after screaming chants widely interpreted as calling for global attacks on Jews and a radio interview in which she doubled down on her comments questioning the widespread pack rape and sexual torture committed by Hamas, which the terrorists themselves never denied,’ he told Daily Mail in a statement.

‘Everyone deserves a second chance but Tame has shown no remorse or regret whatsoever. 

‘The effect of this is to legitimise her violent views and sends a message that her obscene conduct carries no consequences and even brings public contracts.’

Australian Jewish Association chief executive Robert Gregory slammed the ABC as ‘tone deaf.’

‘Tame was condemned across the political spectrum and has publicly complained about difficulties obtaining speaking engagements following her comments but it appears that nothing is too outrageous for the ABC,’ he said.

The question Australians should be asking is simple: with so many talented and respected people available, why did the ABC choose Grace Tame? 

‘This decision demonstrates a profound lack of judgment and a disregard for the concerns of many Australians, particularly within the Jewish community. 

‘It reinforces the growing perception that ABC management is increasingly out of touch with the communities it is supposed to serve. 

‘ABC would have been aware of the distress this decision would cause to many Australians, and it therefore seems designed to generate controversy.’

Daily Mail has contacted the ABC for comment regarding the backlash. 

in her podcast, Tame, 31, explores what life is like for women and gender-diverse people with autism, including her experiences with food and sound sensitivity, as well as ‘masking’.

‘Masking is effectively hiding or changing your traits, needs or interests in order to navigate a world designed primarily for neurotypical people,’ she told ABC presenter Yumi Stynes in the debut episode.

‘The toll of masking can be catastrophic, because those needs still need to be met.

‘I used alcohol and drugs as a coping strategy, which is sadly normalised and easily accessible. Now I turn to running and cycling to regulate my emotions.

‘Exercise has been a really effective tool for emotional regulation and trauma recovery, and it also allows me to socialise in a way that doesn’t require small talk.’

More to come