Former Australian Olympic swimmer Susie O’Neill has accused former television presenter Don Burke of intimidating sexual harassment, joining around 200 others who have spoken out since yesterday’s bombshell report on Burke’s alleged history of “high-grade” and “twisted” abuse.
Speaking to The Sydney Morning Herald, the gold medallist recounted the time she fielded Burke and two other male crew members at her Brisbane home, during the run-in to the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
Singling out a painting of a flower done by O’Neill’s husband, Burke allegedly asked her “is your c*nt as big as that?”
O’Neill, who said the comment was “crude” and “belittling”, informed her manager Nick Cummins. He said he contacted Channel 9 and Burke to discuss the matter, only to be brushed away by Burke’s “convincing” denials.
Cummins said that despite attempts to pull the segment from the show, O’Neill’s contractual obligation meant it went to air – an event Cummins calls an “injustice.”
Amanda Pepe, publishing director of Adelaide’s Opinion Media, also recounted her own run-in with the presenter. She said that as a 20-year-old journalist starting her career in Broken Hill, Burke invited her to Sydney under the pretence of securing her a more prominent role.
She said that instead, she was lead by Burke to “a sad hotel room and a desperate attempt to get me to sleep with him.” Pepe stated she was able to physically withstand Burke’s actions, but that the experience put her off working in the industry for some time.
Journalist Kate McClymont, who broke the story of the Burke allegations in yesterday’s SMH, said she has been contacted by around 200 more people since the story hit newsstands.
Journalist @Kate_McClymont says she has received at least 200 additional complaints about #donburke since the story came out this morning pic.twitter.com/4emrrX5ZGC
— ABC News (@abcnews) November 27, 2017
Expect to hear more claims about the one-time celebrity gardener in the weeks to come.
This article discusses sexual assault & harassment. If you would like to talk to a counsellor about rape, sexual assault or domestic violence, give the people over at 1800 RESPECT a call on 1800 737 732.
