ABC apologises over video of twerking dancers at Australian navy ship launch
The ABC has apologised after incorrectly suggesting the Governor-General and the Chief of Navy had observed a controversial dance performance at the opening of a Navy ship last month.
The twerking dancers from the 101 Doll Squadron troupe performed a routine for several minutes ahead of the official commissioning ceremony for the AU$2 billion (FJ$3.05bn) naval vessel HMAS Supply on the weekend.
Video posted on the ABC’s social media channels appeared to show Governor-General David Hurley, Chief of Navy Michael Noonan and Chief of Defence Angus Campbell as part of the audience during the routine.
But Mr Hurley’s office and a Defence spokesperson both later confirmed the performance had occurred before the Governor-General and Vice Admiral Noonan had arrived. The ABC has acknowledged the error and apologised. “ABC News’ original social media video about the Royal Australian Navy’s launch event for HMAS Supply on the weekend featured a performance by dance group 101 Doll Squadron that included cutaway shots showing
Governor-General David Hurley, the Chief of Navy and the Chief of Defence observing the performance,” the
ABC said in a statement.