Comedian Marty Sheargold has left radio station Triple M following outrage over his on-air comments about the Matildas and women’s soccer.
Triple M issued a statement on Wednesday night saying Sheargold and the network had “mutually agreed to part
ways” after he was notably absent from his usual 3pm-4pm national show earlier in the day.
He was widely slammed for his comments made on Monday’s show during a sports report, where he compared the popular Australian women’s team to “year 10 girls,” suggesting they were prone to infighting and friendship issues.
His comments were also viewed as mysogynistic after he scoffed at the team’s poor performance in the SheBelieves cup, saying “Oh she believes in what? It better be men!” and later asking if the newsreader had any mens sport news.
When the newsreader mentioned Australia was hosting the Women’s Asian Cup competition next year, Sheegold said he would “hammer a nail through the head of my penis than watch that.”
Both Triple M and Sheargold had earlier publicly apologised on Tuesday, and he again apologised to the Matildas following the news of his departure.
“Having mutually agreed to part ways with the Triple M Network, I fully understand the gravity of my comments,” Sheargold said.
“I’d like to sincerely apologise to the Matildas and the broader organisation. I would also like to thank my immediate team for their hard work and apologise for the situation they now find themselves in.”
“Southern Cross Austereo (SCA) takes its responsibility to listeners, shareholders, and clients seriously and its programming should align with the standards and expectations of its audience,” SCA’s Chief Content Officer Dave Cameron said.
“Right now, it’s clear this is a moment for reflection and review. Triple M, and the wider SCA network, will continue to take all necessary steps to support staff. A new Drive show will be announced in due course.
“Triple M acknowledges Marty’s contribution over the past four years, and we wish him well for the future.”
Sheargold came to the network to replace Eddie McGuire and Luke Darcy’s longstanding Melbourne breakfast radio show in 2022. He quit that position back in July last year and moved to the 3pm-4pm national slot, siting a desire for a better-work life balance after mental exhaustion.
