Pauline Hanson apologises to Jacqui Lambie over controversial One Nation cartoon after Helen Haines attack
Pauline Hanson has made a dramatic backflip after telling Jacqui Lambie to ‘get over it’ after a video mocked her vaginal prolapse.
One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has backtracked her defence of a controversial satire cartoon of Tasmanian senator Jacqui Lambie in the wake of the alleged attack on Helen Haines.
The minor party leader has told News24 she was “awfully shocked” by the incident and apologised for the depiction of Senator Lambie’s health condition in the latest episode of One Nation’s “Please explain” cartoon.
Senator Lambie has been outspoken about her vaginal and bladder prolapse to raise awareness and in the episode it depicted her saying: “I can’t laugh because of my prolapsed vagina”.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Senator Lambie revealed in an emotional Senate speech in August that she had suffered vaginal and bladder prolapse linked to her military service, requiring intensive surgery and five months away from Parliament.
Senator Hanson said she has ordered the video be changed and vowed to review future episodes.
“The video went up without my actually seeing it, and I was not aware of the content of the video,” Senator Hanson told News24.
“I have spoken to the creator of that video. I’ve asked him to actually change it
“I respect people’s views and opinions out there, and it, and it wasn’t as tastefully done as it could have been.
“I do apologise for that. And I’ve already spoken to them about it and changing that.”
It comes after the One Nation leader told Senator Lambie to “lighten up” and “get over it” during a press conference in Hobart on Monday.
“Jacqui Lambie, get over it. OK. It’s actually satirical and I think she’s taken it to heart, which she shouldn’t. Have a good look at it, have a good laugh, Jacqui and lighten up,” she had said.
On Monday Ms Lambie hit back at the cartoon, declaring she is “not ashamed” of her condition and will continue speaking out about women’s health.
In a lengthy statement shared on Instagram, the Tasmanian senator condemned the cartoon, accusing One Nation of making light of the medical struggles experienced by millions of women.
“By making this cartoon, One Nation didn’t just make light of my own medical struggles, but those of so many other women who have experienced reproductive health issues,” Senator Lambie said.
“I spoke about my own battle in Parliament, not to get sympathy as One Nation may suggest, but to let other women know they are not alone.”
“Unfortunately, even in this day and age, there is still so much stigma attached to the word vagina and female reproductive health,” she said.
“That shame and embarrassment can lead to women putting off getting help for too long.”
The senator insisted she would not be silenced by the controversy.
“I am not ashamed of my vaginal prolapse and I will keep speaking about the gap between women’s and men’s healthcare in this country until I see meaningful change,” she said.
“I want every Australian woman to know they should never be ashamed to talk about their own health issues, especially when it comes to their reproductive system.”
She ended her statement with a defiant message: “Once again, say it loud and say it proud. VAGINA.💛”
