"What gives?" Animal Justice Party MP Georgie Purcell has criticised an Australian news organisation for photoshopping a picture of her outfit and body to appear more curvaceous.
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Ms Purcell, the youngest female MP in Victoria's parliament, was campaigning against duck-hunting on January 29 after the state government ignored a recommendation to ban the blood sport.
"I endured a lot yesterday but having my body and outfit photoshopped by a media outlet was not on my bingo card," Ms Purcell said on X on January 30.
Nine News aired an image of Ms Purcell in a white top and skirt with a sliver of exposed stomach skin and "enlarged boobs".
The politician hit back by publishing the original, which was taken by Bendigo Advertiser photographer Darren Howe at Lake Weeroona, beside the altered picture.
The comparison showed distinct differences in her silhouette and outfit.
"Hot tip [Nine News] I've got my whole stomach tattooed," she commented underneath her X post.
Ms Purcell said "let's be clear - this is not something that happens to my male colleagues".
"The message this sends to young women and girls across Victoria is that even at the top of your field, your body is always up for grabs," she said on January 30.
"And as expected this edited image has already been weaponized by shooters to spread hateful and violent messages."
'Automation' apology
Nine News Melbourne director Hugh Nailon said "I would like to sincerely apologise to Georgie Purcell for a graphic error that occurred in last night's bulletin".
"Our graphics department sourced an online image of Georgie to use in our story on duck hunting. As is common practice, the image was resized to fit our specs," he said in a January 30 statement.
"During that process, the automation by Photoshop created an image that was not consistent with the original.
"This did not meet the high editorial standards we have and for that we apologise to Ms Purcell unreservedly."
Ms Purcell said Nine News had reached out saying the situation would be investigated.
"I appreciate their cooperation in not making my body and gender their headline," she said.
Victorian Greens party leader Samantha Ratnam has slammed the media organisation for the alleged editing saying "this is shocking".
"Sexism like this is used to minimise and trivialise women in politics," she said.
"As we rise, they try more of these bulls--t things. But we aren't going anywhere. It's 2024. Do better."
Victorian Labor MP Vicki Ward said "This is not on - our media needs to respect all women, all of the time".
Nine News was contacted for comment.
Anna Houlahan
Reach out with news or updates to anna.houlahan@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Reach out with news or updates to anna.houlahan@austcommunitymedia.com.au
