New Zealand PM, Jacinda Ardern, took part in what is being called one of the most ‘uncomfortable’ 60 Minutes interviews to date.
The PM was profiled by veteran journalist Charles Wooley, who viewers have labelled as “bloody painful,” after his tone deaf and paternalistic interview hit the wrong chord with viewers.
“How did a nice person like you get into politics?” he asks a stunned Arden.
“Nice people get into a politics,” a surprised Arden laughs back.
That’s just the start.
As soon as the episode aired audiences jumped online to voice their dismay over social media, especially shocked by allusions to Ardern’s age and attractiveness, statements which even seemed to throw Arden herself on occasion.
“I’ve met a lot of Prime Ministers in my time, but none too young and not so many so smart, and never one so attractive,” Wooley stated.
Wooley also asked the New Zealand Prime Minister “one really important political question”.
“One really important political question that I want to ask you, and that is, what exactly is the date that the baby’s due?” he inquired.
After Arden responded June 17, Wooley then awkwardly followed with: “it’s interesting how much people have been counting back to the conception date”.
Arden, no doubt used to such lines of questioning, stiffly laughed off the question, as Wooley continued to press her for an answer.
“Commenting on @jacindaardern’s level of attractiveness, doesn’t seem to be at all relevant to her ability as a nation’s leader.” responded one angry viewer.
“I assumed #60mins would have a second half of the Jacinda interview after the break that talked about her policies and political achievements. But… nothing. All we got was sexist comments about her looks and baby talk. Ugh. Absolutely s**tful journalism…” wrote another viewer.
Neither Wooley nor Ardern have commented on the public response to the episode.
