Tony Jones Accidentally Refers To Magda As ‘Comrade’ In Slip Of Tongue During Q&A

CLANCY OVERELL | Editor | CONTACT

Actress and same-sex marriage advocate Magda Szubanski has come out today to clear her name from any involvement in the Australian Communist Party, after ABC Q&A host Tony Jones accidentally referred to her as ‘comrade’ in the heat of last night’s discussion.

The term ‘comrade’ which has been common in both the left-wing Australian union movements and communist USSR, carries with it a stigma that the people saying it are enemies of the state and attempting to bring capitalism to it’s knees.

During a Q&A episode dedicated to the divisive debate, panellists from both sides of the debate answered a range of questions touching on issues of freedom of speech to potential consequences of the change, veteran ABC panel host Tony Jones attempted to steer the conversation towards Magda, but a rare slip of the tongue showed his true colours.

“Now, please, comrade – tell us what you think about this particular issue that we haven’t stopped talking about on this show for 18 months?”

The crowd gasped as Jones began to backpedal.

“I mean, Magda, sorry. It was her European name, it threw me”

Twitter lit up shortly afterwards with Magda and Jones both accused of working against the Australian government during a brief couple years in the early 2000s when they were both employed by the national broadcaster.

A crowd member was quick to call out Tony Jones’ gaffe.

“Are you a fucking pink or something mate?” roared Glenn, 52.

Tony Jones was quick to respond.

“Andd…. We’ll take that as a comment”