Countdown’s Rachel Riley issues apology for ‘misunderstood’ Sydney stabbings tweet as Channel 4 faces calls to sack her
Countdown’s Rachel Riley has issued an apology following a controversial tweet about the Sydney mall stabbings, leading to calls for Channel 4 to dismiss her. The 38-year-old was accused of promoting Islamophobia when she incorrectly suggested that the horrific attack was a Palestinian uprising.
The tragic killing spree, which resulted in six fatalities on Saturday (April 13), was perpetrated by Joel Cauchi, 40, from Queensland, who police have stated suffered from mental health issues. Police assistant commissioner Anthony Cooke confirmed in a press conference that the attacker had been fatally shot by an officer.
Despite referencing the original tweet – which claimed the shopping mall attack was due to a “globalised Intifada” – in her apology, the post is no longer available. In an extensive statement, she expressed regret if her message had been “misunderstood”.
“Just to clarify, my intention with this tweet was not to say this attack was caused by any ideation or to link it to Islamic extremism,” she penned. “At the time we did not know who the attacker was, and as such I made no reference.”