The Australian Olympic swimming star, Leisel Jones, has made an emotional statement on the live radio today following the controversial comments of Marty Sheargold about Matildas and women's sport.
Jones, 39, who works for the triple M breakfast in the Gold Coast, said that Sheargold's comments on his Triple M program made her feel “extremely ill” after he compared the team's stars with 'Year 10 Girls' And he said he would prefer to mutilate his genitals to see them play.
'I'm not going to cry. I'm not going to cry, 'Jones started, while sobbing.
'The comments are so harmful against the female sport that the show Marty Sheargold shared. And obviously I have been quite annoying all morning, and I was upset when I entered. I have been inside and outside the program all morning.
“It is a very complicated position to be put when Triple M is my place of employment, and obviously I love working on the program and I find it incredibly challenging to be put in a position in which I become the unofficial spokesperson of women In sport.
Jones continued: 'Obviously, everyone would know that she was a woman in sport. I have competed on the first level for women in sport and I am one of the greatest followers. And when I woke up this morning and came to work, I was bombarded with messages of why I was not answering, why I said nothing on social networks.
Leisel Jones (in the photo) broke on the radio live on Wednesday following the controversial comments of Marty Sheargold on the Matildas
There have been calls for Sheargold (in the photo) to be fired for the outbreak that reduced Jones to tears on Wednesday
'And I think many people need to understand that it is very difficult when you are in this position to say the things you would really like to say. I would love to say all these things. I have so many things inside that I would love to say that I am the greatest defender of women in sport.
Jones then made a direct statement to children who could have heard Sheargold's comments.
“Please, know that you can practice sports … I'm sorry, I'm upset,” he said as he broke.
'You are welcome to play sports at any level. You don't have to be a midfielder. You don't have to be an Olympic. You only practice sport because sport is very wonderful.
'The most important thing we could ask is for men to be on our side, when it comes to women in sport, because it is always a uphill. Be paid less, to get less coverage, so as not to obtain the credit they deserve. '
Jones then made a statement for the Matildas, who copied the worst part of Sheargold's diatribe, saying: 'I think it is very important to know that they are inspiring, regardless of what level they arrive. Please know that you are inspiring so many people.
Sheargold has been criticized for the comments he made in the air about the Matildas football team and women's sports, and many fans asked to loot it.
The comedian and actor was talking in the Marty Sheargold show on Monday, hours after Matildas had been defeated 2-1 by the United States in the Shebelieves Cup.
The Olympic legend said that Sheargold's comments made her feel “extremely ill”
Sheargold said there is 'something wrong' with the Matildas and that they remind the girls of Year 10 (Sam Kerr is in the photo with his partner Kristie Mewis)
The listeners have described the outburst of Sheargold 'disgusting' and 'shameful' while attacked the national team (in the photo, the star of Matildas, Mary Fowler)
The result occurred only three days after the Matildas were embarrassed in a 4-0 tournament opening defeat against Japan, which the interim coach took Sermanni described as 'non-Australian'.
The host Troy Ellis mentioned the theme and Sheargold gave his two cents in the national team.
“There is something wrong with the Matildas,” he said.
'They had that wonderful tournament here (2023 FIFA World Cup) where we all fall in love with them, even though they did not reach the rooms.
Do you know what they remind me? Year girls 10 … All internal struggles and all friendship problems, “the coach hates me and hates bloody training and Michelle is a bitch.”
“Now I regret undermining all the sport, but that is what I think of him so you can put him in your ** e.”
Their coanfitations tried to continue discussing the Shebelieves Cup when Sheargold jumped, exclaiming: 'Oh, do you think? They may be men. '
On the subject of Sam Kerr and his partner Kristie Mewis, Sheargold asked: “Do they play the same position?”
Sheargold's comments about women's sport caused a fierce reaction on social networks (in the photo, the matildas after their loss against the United States earlier this week)
The conversation moved to Australia organizing the Women's Asian Cup next year.
Oh God. The Asian Cup, “Sheargold said.
'I prefer to hit a nail through the head of my penis to see that.
Do you have any sport for men?
His comments caused a fierce reaction on social networks, and many people asked him to be fired.
An X commentator wrote: “Disgustically, it is a POS and must be fired.”
“I regret that you offend you for my poor comedy attempt” It is not an apology and it is shameful that Marty Sheargold is still used by @TRIPLEMMELB after his misogynist puncture, “added another.
“His sexist and homophobia should not be allowed air time in 2025,” wrote another sports fan who wants Sheargold to retire from his work.
Photo: The star of Matildas, Mary Fowler, during the defeat against the United States in the Shebelieves Cup
'Marty Sheargold, tell your days. This is one of the worst things I have heard on the radio in a long time, 'added another, who also listed several transmission rules that said the DJ had raped with his comments.
On Wednesday morning, Sheargold issued an apology on social networks.
'Any comedy, including mine, can sometimes lose the brand, and I can see why people may have offended with my comments regarding matildas. I sinitely apologize, “Sheargold said in a statement.
The Australian Olympic hockey player Rosie Malone led to social networks, writing: “I honestly, I don't know what happens to the world.”
'I heard this on the radio yesterday during stellar schedule (5.30 pm) on the way to training and all I could think was about the young women sitting in the car with their parents, perhaps on their way to or from their own training sessions Oyer this.
'I am sure that many of them would have been injured and confused … I was incredulous.
'Is this apparently acceptable in the radio of the conventional afternoon? AS??'
Malone's publication caused more indignation among his followers, and some said they were contacting the station when they believed that their comments had broken the transmission rules.
“Complaint sent to Triple M, tired of listening to her horrible shots on multiple platforms,” said a user, and several others also added that they have contacted the broadcaster in an effort to have punished Sheargold.
The indignant listeners say they have contacted Triple M regarding the incident
“For anyone who wonders, these were the rules of the violated code: 2.1.4, 2.2, 3.1.1, 3.1.3,” another added.
'Disgusting. I can't believe they think this is fine in the air, “said another commentator.
Is this AF ** King joke?!? I feel that I am living in a simulation. That cannot be a real recording, 'said a third.
“Marty talks to her partner and her children about women like this?” Another replied.
Triple J Host and girlfriend of the Soccer Star Darcy Moore, Dee Salmin, commented: “How f ** shameless King.”
The Australian Swimming Legend Libby Trickett also got into the controversy, writing: 'I am furious. It is 2025 and this is not fun.
Triple M also apologized on social networks on Wednesday, writing: 'Marty Sheargold's comments regarding matildas made in Triple M Drive on Monday, February 24, are not aligned with the triple m opinions and values It remains firm in its strong support for all sports of women and men. We sincerely apologize for any offense or anguish caused.
However, the apologies were bad with many fans, who criticized the station for blocking fans of expressing their thoughts about the post.
“Nothing like apologizing and then turning off the comments,” one wrote.
“I can see why people can have offended.” That is not to assume responsibility, that is a guilt. To assume the responsibility would be 'My actions/words were offensive and I apologize'. That is not an apology, that is a deviation, “added another.
'I see that the little coward has turned off his comments from social networks. Pathetic that is so soft that you cannot handle the comments about its 'comedy', “a third party wrote.
“Marty Sheargold's comments … do not align with triple m opinions and values and then fire him,” added another.
Football Australia announced that the governing agency is “deeply disappointed” with the “unacceptable comments” of Sheargold in an announcement on Wednesday morning.
“It is imperative that all the media and commentators maintain a standard of respect that reflects the immense contribution of Commbank Matildas and all female athletes to our sports culture and Australian history,” FA wrote.
“All female athletes deserve to be covered with the same level of professionalism and respect provided to their male counterparts.”
Sheargold arrived at the headlines after the Grand Final of AFL 2023 after allegedly making a series of offensive comments to other guests while looking at the game from a corporate box.
After the incident, he took a personal permit of his Triple M Melbourne breakfast program after a mysterious absence of three months.