Australian parody comedian Lisa Jane Spencer has been fired from her job following a controversial video that sparked widespread backlash for its depiction of a white woman transitioning to being Aboriginal, including simulated petrol sniffing.
Video sparks outrage
On Tuesday, Spencer posted a video on Instagram showing herself dancing barefoot, clapping sticks, wearing white facepaint, and sniffing from a red jerry can. The video was quickly condemned by viewers, with one person labeling it as "deeply disturbing" and "insensitive."
Spencer refuses to apologise
Despite the backlash, Spencer refused to apologise for the video, stating, "I love Aboriginal people" but that she pushes "boundaries" in her comedy. She added, "If you can’t make jokes about certain people and things then that is a form of privilege and hierarchy and comedy is about tearing those down."
Employer responds
Peninsula Hot Springs, located outside Melbourne, where Spencer worked, posted a statement on Instagram referring to her as a "former employee." The company said it is "aware" of the video and acknowledged the concern and disappointment expressed, particularly by members of First Nations communities. The statement emphasised that the company does not support or endorse content inconsistent with its values of inclusion, respect, and cultural safety.
Spencer reacts to firing
Spencer expressed her disappointment with her former workplace, tagging the company in an Instagram story and claiming she was fired "on the spot yesterday morning with no notice, after people publicly and illegally doxed where I worked."
Celebrities condemn the video
Several high-profile celebrities criticised the video on social media. Former Bachelorette Brooke Blurton commented, "It’s not funny." Model Olivia Molly Rogers added, "It is genuinely unbelievable that you consider this funny. This isn’t humour... You’ve made your point, you’ve got the engagement you wanted. Time to take it down."
