NRL team issues grovelling apology and deletes social media post that mocked woman’s speech impediment

The New Zealand Warriors have issued a grovelling apology and swiftly removed a social media video after being accused of mocking a woman’s speech impediment.

In the short clip, influencer Jessie Yendle could be seen struggling to pronounce a host of words.

Seconds later, the video transitioned to the Warriors’ NRL highlights.

Yendle, who is an advocate for people with stutters, told UK news show Good Morning Britain she was ‘shocked’ and ‘humiliated’ by the use of her stammer as part of a global social media trend that also involved other sporting teams.

‘I’ve spent so many years of my life being misunderstood and judged. When I saw the videos, I literally thought to myself, I’m so much more than my speech impediment,’ she told hosts Susanna Reid and Ed Balls.

A spokesperson for the Warriors apologised and stated: ‘It was not the club’s intention to highlight or make fun of any one individual or group.

‘The glitch effect used in the post was a social trend which was seen around the professional sporting scene at the time (August 2024, during an interview featuring Yendle).

‘The post in question was deleted soon after it was published. We sincerely apologise for any offence caused.’

Yendle was also highly offended by similar posts on Instagram and TikTok from German football giants Borussia Dortmund and triathlon organiser Ironman.

Like the Warriors, both issued belated apologies to Yendle.

It also didn’t take long for Yendle to receive support on X.

‘I have a #stammer myself & it angers me to think big names (who people look up to) can do this. I back Jessie Yendle in calling for a public apology,’ one posted.

‘Some people are just nasty,’ said another. ‘Bizarre they thought it would be OK.’

According to Healthdirect, roughly one in 100 Australians stutter. The condition can affect children, adolescents and adults. 

It often starts in childhood, but can also begin at a later age.