Seven commentator Kate McCarthy lashes AFL bosses in aftermath of Kate Dempsey online attack

Channel 7’s Kate McCarthy has lashed the AFL for a lack of action and support for Richmond AFLW star Kate Dempsey.

Ahead of her 50th game and during the league’s Pride Round on October 12, Dempsey wrote a piece about her family and her journey as a queer woman.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Talking W supports Kate Dempsey after ‘vile’ online attacks.

The story was shared on the AFL’s social media platforms and left unmonitored, as trolls took to it and abused Dempsey with vile and disgusting comments.

After the unchecked comments piled up, Richmond released a statement, saying Dempsey’s story “deserves to be celebrated”.

“Instead, some individuals chose to make deeply disturbing and unacceptable comments,” the statement read.

“Richmond Football Club accepts diversity in all its forms. There is zero tolerance for homophobia, discrimination or any form of hate in our game. In short, everyone has the right to feel safe.”

According to McCarthy, Richmond then alerted the AFL to the comments and the post was removed.

“The AFL then released a statement on Friday morning ... almost three days later, apologising to Kate and her family,” McCarthy said on Seven’s Talking W.

“This statement was made by an unknown AFL spokesperson, the same spokesperson explained that there were procedures in place for monitoring comments but admitted (the comments were not removed quickly enough).

“It is my understanding that no one from the AFL has personally reached out to Kate and her family, neither has any spokesperson or leader from the AFL spoken out in support of Kate and her family.

“Andrew Dillon (CEO), Laura Kane (football manager) and Emma Moore (AFLW football manager) have had media involvements since the incident and have not addressed it at all.

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“This whole experience has left Kate deeply affected and taken a significant toll on her.

“She shared her story in the hope that it would help others who are potentially battling with their sexuality, and this was the fallout.

“Enough is enough.

“These homophobic, sexist, racist comments online must stop.

“Kate, Ellie and Pippa, everyone here at Talking W and the wider AFLW community is behind you, and loves you.

“We throw our arms around you.”

Kane responded to McCarthy’s criticism, saying the AFL had been in “regular contact” with Richmond about the issue.

“Kate and her partner shared a magical story about their child, their relationship, their life, in a really important week for our game, which is AFLW pride and we’re really disappointed that Kate had to receive comments online and we will make sure all of the processes are in place at our end to stop that happening,” Kane said.

“I work closely with our media team to protect our players as much as we possibly can, but I think what I would like to say to Kate is her story is so special and her family should be incredibly proud of her contribution to our game.”

The AFL apologised publicly for how the trolling was handled by the AFL and Kane said she would talk to Dempsey directly if that’s what the Tiger wanted.

“I’ve spoken to the club many times as have many people at our end. We just want to make sure we put as much support as we can, but Richmond Football club are best placed to do that with Kate,” she said.

“Our job is to administer the competition and make sure we support our players in delivering that. I would happily speak to Kate anytime.”