Rugby player Israel Folau has asked his followers to stop trolling actor Magda Szubanski online and show her respect.
Szubanski was a high profile advocate for changing Australia’s marriage laws and has been a vocal critic of the Rugby players multi-million dollar fundraising campaign to cover his legal expenses.
In response to Folau’s quest to raise $3 million via crowdfunding platforms, Szubanski launched a campaign which raises money for LGBTI youth and children facing illness. Since speaking out against Folau’s campaign the actor has faced significant criticism online.
On Sunday Folau took to Twitter to ask his followers to stop attacking Szubanski. Folau said he bacl a call from journalist Julia Baird who highlighted the trolling comments directed at Szubanski.
“Hey everyone I totally agree with (Julia Baird) – please stop the anonymous online attacks on (Szubanski) who has entered this debate very respectfully,” Folau tweeted.
“She is entitled to express her views – let’s all have this important discussion with love in our hearts.”
Szubanski thanked Folau and said she wished the same for him and his wife Maria.
On Friday talks between Israel Folau and Rugby Australia mediated by FairWork Australia were unable to resolve the disagreement between the two parties. Folau said he was very disappointed that Rugby Australia were not prepared to public apologise for sacking him.
Rugby Australia have maintained that they followed an appropriate process before terminating Folau’s $4 million contract after he made a controversial posts to social media. The dispute is now expected to be taken to the NSW Court.
OIP Staff
