Foxtel CEO Apologizes for Nazi Salute Amid Growing Concerns

Patrick Delaney, the CEO of Foxtel—a cable television company majority-owned by News Corp—has issued an unreserved apology after a photo emerged showing him performing a Nazi salute. The incident has sparked significant backlash and raised questions about Delaney’s judgment and the broader issue of antisemitism in Australia.

In a statement to his staff, Delaney expressed deep regret, explaining that he believed he was mimicking a gesture made by some Western Sydney Wanderers fans during the 2014-15 soccer season. He clarified that his intention was to draw a comparison between this gesture and the Nazi salute. Despite this explanation, Delaney acknowledged that the act was “wrong” regardless of its context.

The Jewish Council of Australia has condemned Delaney’s actions as “deeply concerning.” Sarah Schwartz, the council’s executive officer, emphasized the gravity of the salute, stating that it is an offensive and violent symbol not only to Jews but to other marginalized groups as well. Schwartz also criticized Delaney’s apparent comfort with such gestures despite his public commitment to combating antisemitism.

In his internal memo, Delaney attempted to contextualize the photograph, asserting that it was “completely inconsistent” with his personal values and beliefs. He reiterated his condemnation of racism and antisemitism, noting his recent signing of the ‘Say No to Antisemitism’ letter—a pledge made by Australian leaders in response to the recent Hamas-led attack on southern Israel, which resulted in significant casualties.

The controversy comes at a time when Australia is grappling with rising antisemitism and Islamophobia, exacerbated by ongoing tensions over the Israel-Gaza conflict. In response to these issues, the federal government has appointed a special envoy to combat antisemitism and plans to introduce a similar role for Islamophobia.

Lachlan Murdoch, during a visit to Sydney, urged News Corp staff to confront and address all forms of antisemitism, underscoring that there is no room for ambiguity on the matter. This call for action reflects the growing urgency to address hate speech and discrimination in Australia.

Foxtel, once a dominant force in the Australian television market, has been struggling in recent years due to the rise of international streaming services. News Corp has recently considered selling the beleaguered pay TV company, highlighting ongoing challenges within the media industry.

The scandal surrounding Delaney underscores a broader concern about the effectiveness of symbolic gestures against antisemitism compared to actual behavior. Critics argue that the juxtaposition of signing an anti-antisemitism pledge while engaging in offensive gestures indicates a need for deeper, systemic change rather than superficial commitments.

As the debate continues, Delaney’s apology and the reactions to it reflect the ongoing struggle to address and eradicate prejudice and discrimination in Australian society.