THE CORBY TV SAGA

Well, did that put the cat amongst the pigeons on television last night. Or should I say the pot amongst the pigeons. I am talking about the Nine Network programme about the guilt or innocence of alleged Australian drug smuggler Schapelle Corby. And I say alleged because she has not been convicted yet over accusations that she tried to smuggle more than four kilograms of high quality Australian pot into Bali. In her boogie board wrapper. She says she didn’t. She says the drugs were planted. Her supporters point at corrupt baggage handlers at Australian airports.

But, as I have said, on air – on radio and TV – why would you put $40,000 worth of what they call high-quality “lemon grass” in a total stranger’s bag and then ship it off to Bali.

Doesn’t make much sense to me. But the Nine Network doco about is she guilty or innocent – and hosted by Mike Munro – put the case for and against.

The public vote on what Nine called “Schapelle’s Nightmare – The Untold Story” was something like 92 per cent of people thinking she is innocent and only eight per cent thinking she is guilty. I was interviewed on it and, boy, did I cop some e-mail flak last night and again today.

A point missing in many of the e-mails is that I have never said she was guilty. I have said, when asked if I thought she was, that in my opinion she was.

And as for being sexist or racist: Au contraire. The Nine doco last night actually supports my argument that Corby has been getting all this attention because she is young, white, pretty and has big boobs. Haven’t seen any TV network devoting prime time to some scrawny, male Vietnamese-Australian on Death Row in Singapore. And we didn’t see such an outpouring of support for Barlow and Chambers. And they were hanged.

And speaking of sexist…. In the flood of e-mails people kept referring to this “beautiful, innocent girl”.

Back to the e-mails. Try some of these for size:

Fred Johnson:

Eff you Derryn. Go kill yourself you effing Nazi. Dumb effing etc. The world doesn’t need mean spirited bleeps like you.

From Iza:

I am ashamed to think I actually started to like you during Dancing With The Stars!!

Your comments on Schapelle were horrible. I am only a 15 yr. old girl and thought it very unfair that you mention her looks as a reason why Aussies are supporting this poor woman. I thought you were more mature than that. I am wondering what you would say if it were your innocent child...and with the lack of Higher Australian help, how you would feel? I know you like to cause trouble, but I think you were wrong to say those things. I cannot wait until she is proven INNOCENT.

From an ex-copper:

I watched your reaction and comments on Schapelle Corby. You are sexist, disgusting and most unfair with your unqualifiable comments. I am an ex Police Officer and have been in Law Enforcements for over two decades. You are a real disgrace. You missed your chance to assist an innocent person.Neot too late to be sorry – and then say or write something realistic.

From Dave. Who did leave his mobile number:

I saw and heard your comments on the Ch 9 Schapelle Corby programe last night. You are a disgrace to the human race. Get out of town you ratbag, 3AW listeners deserve better than a clapped out news reporter like you. How much longer do 3AW listeners have to put up with the bulldust that spews from your mouth? Get a real job. Yes I have the balls to put a return address and phone number if you have the guts to discuss it on air, but I doubt it because you are a yellow belly who just looks at ways to keep your ratings up no matter who you walk over.

And finally from Trish Austin-Hore:

I never felt so compelled to write an email. To say a pregnant boogie board makes her guilty appalls me. I have long defended your outspoken actions over the years and applauded them. However for the first time I am shocked and appalled. Words leave me on how you can feel this way.

I may be a mother of three children, however I have never watched or observed a women more innocent. Schapelle is not a stupid women, to think that she would place marijuana in an unlocked and extremely accessible bag through an Indonesian customs airport belies any intelligence.

And the flood of e-mails went on and on. AS I said 92 per cent of people who voted think Corby is innocent. And, by the way, the programme won the ratings for the Nine Network.

Thursday, May 19, 2005

©Copyright Derryn Hinch 2005