Antoinette Lattouf (Arabic: أنطوانيت لطوف; born 1983 or 1984) is an Australian journalist, host, author, and diversity advocate. She has worked at Network Ten, Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), SBS, Southern Cross Austereo, Triple J, and as a social commentator for various online and broadcast publications. She is also known for her work as a columnist for The Sydney Morning Herald. She was the subject of a high-profile unfair dismissal case against the ABC in 2023–2024, with the Fair Work Commission finding in her favour in June 2024.

Early life and education

Antoinette Lattouf's parents came to Australia as refugees from Lebanon in the 1970s.[1] She was born in 1983 or 1984.[2]

Lattouf studied Communications (Social Inquiry) at the University of Technology, Sydney.[2]

Career

Lattouf has worked at Network Ten, ABC, SBS, Southern Cross Austereo, Triple J, and as a social commentator for various online and broadcast publications.[3][4][5][6][7][8][9] She is also known for her work as a columnist for The Sydney Morning Herald.[10]

In 2020 Lattouf spoke out about bullying and racism she experienced whilst working at SBS at the start of her career.[11][12]

From early 2022[13] and as of February 2024,[14] Lattouf has been a permanent co-host of the daily LiSTNR podcast The Briefing.[13]

ABC dismissal

In December 2023, Lattouf began presenting ABC Radio Sydney's Mornings program as a fill-in host for Sarah Macdonald. Subsequently, she posted on social media a Human Rights Watch (HRW) report alleging that Israel was using starvation as a weapon of war during the Israel-Palestinian conflict.[15] A coordinated campaign by a pro-Israel lobbying group called "Lawyers for Israel", and another group called "J.E.W.I.S.H creatives and academics" pressured ABC management, including ABC chair Ita Buttrose, to sack Lattouf, and smeared her Jewish lawyer, Josh Bornstein, as a "Traiter!" [sic].[16][17][18] Leaked messages from a Lawyers for Israel WhatsApp group chat revealed Sydney lawyer Nicky Stein suggesting targeting Federal Communications Minister Michelle Rowland, despite no actionable offence against the ABC.[19] In the group chat, Stein also stressed the importance of organising complaints from people who were lawyers, so that the ABC would "feel there is an actual legal threat".[18]

The ABC dismissed Lattouf on 20 December 2023, citing her social media post referencing the HRW report as the reason.[16] The ABC had itself covered the release of the same HRW report.[15] Al Jazeera noted that Lattouf was among a growing number of journalists worldwide dismissed for expressing views supporting Palestine or calling for an end to Israel's bombardment of Gaza.[15] Lattouf responded to her dismissal by stating she believed it was unlawful and not a victory for journalism or critical, fair thinking.[20] Lattouf's dismissal led ABC members of the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA) to pass a vote of no-confidence in ABC's managing director, David Anderson, on 22 January. The MEAA motion criticised ABC leadership for failing to protect the broadcaster's independence and staff when attacked.[21][22]

Lattouf lodged an unfair dismissal claim with the Fair Work Commission (FWC), asserting that her dismissal was due to expressing a political opinion and that her race was a contributing factor.[15][23] Mediation efforts at the FWC failed.[24] In its submission to the FWC on 15 January, the ABC stated that Lattouf was warned about posting controversial topics prior to her dismissal and argued that she could not make an unlawful termination application as she was not technically sacked.[25] The case was featured on the ABC's Media Watch program on 5 February 2024. Host Paul Barry criticised the ABC's actions as indicative of weakness and incompetence for not properly handling the situation and not supporting Lattouf for her remaining two shifts.[26] Lattouf requested the FWC to release emails related to her dismissal, which had been mentioned in the leaked WhatsApp messages. The FWC refused her request on 16 February.[23] On 3 June 2024, the FWC found that Lattouf was unfairly dismissed by the ABC[27] and Lattouf then filed an unlawful termination case in the Federal Court.[28]

Federal Court Proceedings (Lattouf v ABC)

Lattouf filed an unlawful termination claim in the Federal Court of Australia, contending that her dismissal was both procedurally unfair and politically motivated, with her political views and racial background playing a role in the decision.[29]

During the proceedings, key ABC executives—including managing director David Anderson and chief content officer Chris Oliver-Taylor—testified about the internal decision‐making process that led to Lattouf’s removal. Evidence presented in court included internal emails and text messages; one such email from former ABC chair Ita Buttrose reportedly stated that the broadcaster “owed her nothing” in light of numerous complaints received from a pro‑Israel lobbying group. The ABC defended its actions by asserting that Lattouf breached its social media guidelines by reposting a Human Rights Watch report on alleged starvation as a tool of war in Gaza, a charge Lattouf disputes on the grounds that her post relayed information from a reputable source.[30][31]

The case has generated significant public and internal debate regarding the ABC’s disciplinary practices. Critics have argued that the broadcaster applied inconsistent standards, noting that other presenters—such as Laura Tingle and Paul Barry—were not subjected to similar sanctions for expressing personal views. Lattouf’s legal team has maintained that her removal was not solely due to a breach of social media policy but also reflected underlying biases. In her testimony, Lattouf described the severe personal impact of her dismissal, including increased anxiety, depression, and a reliance on alcohol and sleeping aids; her psychiatrist’s evidence corroborated these claims.[32][33]

Subsequent cross‐examinations highlighted contrasts in the treatment of ABC presenters. While Lattouf was removed for her controversial social media posts, other high‐profile journalists were allowed to express personal opinions without facing similar repercussions. During his testimony, managing director David Anderson acknowledged that systemic issues, including racism in Australia, exist; however, he maintained that the ABC’s disciplinary measures were based on breaches of editorial standards rather than discriminatory practices.[34][35]

As the Federal Court proceedings continue, further evidence and additional witness testimonies are anticipated. Observers suggest that the outcome of Lattouf v ABC could have broad implications for employment practices and the enforcement of editorial policies at public broadcasters.[36]

Other activities

Lattouf co-founded Media Diversity Australia (MDA) in 2017, a not-for-profit organisation which seeks to increase cultural and linguistic diversity in Australia's news media.[37] The MDA's advisory board members include Stan Grant, Waleed Aly, Hugh Riminton, Monica Attard, Talal Yassine and Tim Soutphommasane.[38] In 2020 MDA released their report in regards to the lack of diversity in Australian television news and current affairs. Lattouf was a co-author of Who Gets To Tell Australian Stories, Australian-first research led by MDA and conducted by Macquarie University, University of Sydney, Deakin University and Western Sydney University with partners Google and the Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance.[39]

Her first book How to Lose Friends and Influence White people was published by the Penguin Random House in 2022.[40][41] That same year, Lattouf delivered her first TEDx Sydney talk.[42]

Recognition and awards

Personal life

Lattouf is married and has two daughters.[45][46] She is an ambassador for the Australian Thyroid Foundation after a Studio 10 viewer noticed a lump on her neck and contacted Network 10; as a result, Lattouf had surgery to remove the lump and was diagnosed with Hashimoto's thyroiditis.[4]

References

  1. ^ Lattouf, Antoinette (12 March 2016). "Postnatal Depression: Why couldn't my mother feel my pain?". ABC News. ABC. Archived from the original on 30 October 2023. Retrieved 16 December 2020.
  2. ^ a b "Journalist, influencer, ambassador, advocate". University of Technology Sydney. 24 October 2019. Archived from the original on 30 October 2023. Retrieved 16 December 2020. the 35 year old was recently named one of the most influential women in Australia by the Australian Financial Review.
  3. ^ "'It's tricky': Antoinette Lattouf on Sam Armytage's Sunrise replacement". au.lifestyle.yahoo.com. Archived from the original on 25 August 2021. Retrieved 25 August 2021.
  4. ^ a b Khalil, Shireen (21 January 2020). "TV reporter alerted to throat cyst by viewer undergoes surgery and discovers another health issue". news.com.au. Archived from the original on 23 January 2021. Retrieved 16 December 2020.
  5. ^ "How do you talk to your NESB parents about their COVID vaxx hesitancy?". ABC Radio. 4 August 2021. Archived from the original on 25 August 2021. Retrieved 25 August 2021.
  6. ^ "Duo shine a light on diversity". The Australian. 23 April 2017. Archived from the original on 25 August 2021. Retrieved 25 August 2021.
  7. ^ ""Damaged Us And Left Scars": Former Journalists Call Out SBS For Racism & Bullying". B&T. 1 July 2020. Archived from the original on 25 August 2021. Retrieved 25 August 2021.
  8. ^ "Ten reporter and high-profile diversity advocate Antoinette Lattouf isn't shy about making very public take-downs of her fellow journalists". The Australian. Archived from the original on 2 October 2021. Retrieved 25 August 2021.
  9. ^ "2019 Women of Influence are champions of reinvention". Australian Financial Review. 9 September 2019. Archived from the original on 28 July 2021. Retrieved 26 August 2021.
  10. ^ "Antoinette Lattouf Sydney Morning Herald Column". The Sydney Morning Herald. Archived from the original on 14 July 2023. Retrieved 14 July 2023.
  11. ^ Meade, Amanda; Zhou, Naaman (30 June 2020). "SBS staff urge leadership change as former journalists air claims of racism". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 16 December 2020. Retrieved 16 December 2020.
  12. ^ "'Rubbish': Cricketers urged not to kneel". The Daily Telegraph. 12 July 2021. Archived from the original on 17 July 2021. Retrieved 25 August 2021.
  13. ^ a b "Antoinette Lattouf joins LiSTNR podcast The Briefing". Mediaweek. 2 March 2022. Archived from the original on 14 July 2023. Retrieved 14 July 2023.
  14. ^ "The Briefing". LiSTNR. 3 February 2025. Retrieved 3 February 2025.
  15. ^ a b c d "Strike threat over claim pro-Israeli lobby forced out Australian journalist". Al Jazeera. 16 January 2024. Archived from the original on 20 January 2024. Retrieved 21 January 2024.
  16. ^ a b Bachelard, Michael; Jaspan, Calum (16 January 2024). "Secret WhatsApp messages show co-ordinated campaign to oust Antoinette Lattouf from ABC". The Age. Nine Entertainment Co. - Nine Digital and Publishing. pp. 1–3. Archived from the original on 15 January 2024. Retrieved 11 February 2025. The ABC sacked broadcaster Antoinette Lattouf after a high-level and co-ordinated letter-writing campaign from pro-Israel lobbyists that directly targeted the corporation's chair, Ita Buttrose, and managing director David Anderson.
  17. ^ Bachelard, Michael; Jaspan, Calum (27 January 2024). "How the sacking of a casual presenter tipped the ABC into turmoil". The Sydney Morning Herald.
  18. ^ a b Turnbull, Tiffanie (27 January 2024). "Antoinette Lattouf: ABC presenter sacked over Gaza post ignites row in Australia". BBC News. Archived from the original on 24 January 2025.
  19. ^ Iqbal, Soaliha (16 January 2024). "Leaked Texts Reveal 'Coordinated Campaign' To Get Antoinette Lattouf Fired From The ABC". Pedestrian.TV. Archived from the original on 27 January 2024. Retrieved 27 January 2024.
  20. ^ Shepherd, Tory (21 December 2023). "Antoinette Lattouf says she is considering 'legal options' after losing ABC radio role over Israel-Gaza social media posts". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 21 December 2023. Retrieved 21 December 2023.
  21. ^ Jaspan, Calum; Bachelard, Michael (22 January 2024). "ABC staff pass no-confidence vote in boss as senior journalist lashes leadership". The Sydney Morning Herald. Archived from the original on 19 February 2024. Retrieved 23 January 2024.
  22. ^ Bruce-Smith, Alex (22 January 2024). "'Something Needs To Be Done': Secret WhatsApp Chat Messages Show Coordinated Campaign To Get ABC Journalist Fired". PEDESTRIAN.TV. Archived from the original on 23 January 2024. Retrieved 23 January 2024.
  23. ^ a b Roe, Isobel; Thorpe, Andrew (16 February 2024). "Antoinette Lattouf loses bid to force ABC to produce emails calling for her dismissal". ABC News. Archived from the original on 17 February 2024. Retrieved 17 February 2024.
  24. ^ "ABC to hold emergency board meeting as Lattouf saga escalates". The New Daily. 22 January 2024. Archived from the original on 23 January 2024. Retrieved 23 January 2024.
  25. ^ Cassidy, Caitlin (23 January 2024). "ABC denies sacking Antoinette Lattouf and attempts to have termination case thrown out". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 23 January 2024. Retrieved 23 January 2024.
  26. ^ ABC, Lattouf & lobbyists Archived 7 February 2024 at the Wayback Machine ABC Media Watch, 5 February 2024. Retrieved 7 February 2024.
  27. ^ "Fair Work Commission finds Lattouf was unfairly dismissed by ABC". ABC News. 3 June 2024. Retrieved 3 June 2024.
  28. ^ Lawyers for Antoinette Lattouf outline unfair dismissal claim in Federal Court over her departure from ABC Radio Sydney, ABC News, 3 February 2025. Retrieved 3 February 2025.
  29. ^ "Antoinette Lattouf v ABC: Unfair dismissal claim details emerge in court". The Guardian. 4 February 2025.
  30. ^ "'Mistake' to hire Lattouf: ABC boss". News.com.au. 5 February 2025.
  31. ^ "We owe her nothing, says Ita as Lattouf grilled over 'controversial' Gaza posts". The Australian. 2 February 2025.
  32. ^ "'Sometimes I drink until I pass out': Lattouf's struggles laid bare in court". The Daily Telegraph. 4 February 2025.
  33. ^ "ABC staff 'disgusted' by broadcaster's handling of Lattouf dismissal". The Guardian. 6 February 2025.
  34. ^ "Antoinette Lattouf case: ABC managing director denies double standard in treatment of presenters". The Guardian. 5 February 2025.
  35. ^ "Axed ABC presenter reveals horror abuse following dismissal". News.com.au. 3 February 2025.
  36. ^ "ABC managing director continues evidence in Antoinette Lattouf case". ABC News. 6 February 2025.
  37. ^ "'I had to shoulder barge or kick my way in': Antoinette Lattouf's fierce pursuit for media diversity". Women's Agenda. 22 June 2021. Archived from the original on 25 August 2021. Retrieved 25 August 2021.
  38. ^ "Advisory Board". Media Diversity Australia. 2023. Archived from the original on 21 December 2023. Retrieved 21 December 2023.
  39. ^ Ma, Wenlei (16 August 2020). "Australian audiences are let down by TV networks' lack of diversity". news.com.au. Archived from the original on 11 December 2020. Retrieved 16 December 2020.
  40. ^ "PRH acquires Lattouf's 'How to Lose Friends and Influence White People' | Books+Publishing". Archived from the original on 25 October 2021. Retrieved 25 October 2021.
  41. ^ Touma, Rafqa (17 May 2022). "Antoinette Lattouf on writing a guide to anti-racism: 'I was sitting there and sobbing'". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 21 December 2023. Retrieved 21 December 2023.
  42. ^ "Reverse Discrimination? It doesn't exist…but 'tokenism' does". TEDxSydney. 5 August 2022. Archived from the original on 19 January 2023. Retrieved 5 August 2022.
  43. ^ "2019 Women of Influence are champions of reinvention". Australian Financial Review. 9 September 2019. Archived from the original on 28 July 2021. Retrieved 26 August 2021.
  44. ^ a b "Announcing The Women's Agenda Leadership Awards Winners 2021". B&T. 30 April 2021. Archived from the original on 21 October 2021. Retrieved 21 October 2021.
  45. ^ Taouk, Maryanne. "Channel 10 presenter shares her depression struggles after her second child". The Daily Telegraph. Archived from the original on 30 October 2023. Retrieved 16 December 2020.
  46. ^ "ANTOINETTE LATTOUF: 'I couldn't stop thinking about death'". dailytelegraph.com. Archived from the original on 30 October 2023. Retrieved 25 August 2021.
Allikas: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antoinette_Lattouf
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