A content creator in Melbourne has officially lost her job following a 36-second video
A content creator in Melbourne has officially lost her job following the publication of a 36-second video that ignited widespread outrage. Lisa Jane Spencer, a former employee at Peninsula Hot Springs on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, was dismissed after posting content intended to “satirize” an episode of the SBS program Insight.
Controversial Content
In the video, Spencer appears with white paint on her face, wearing a faux-fur jacket and holding a bowl of burning eucalyptus leaves to mimic an Indigenous smoking ceremony. She also wore a badge featuring the Aboriginal flag and the slogan “Always was, Always will be”.
Spencer made several provocative statements, claiming, “I’m Aunty Lisa,” and, “I started identifying as a black fella a few months ago”. While simulating the completion of a government form, she continued: “I am Aboriginal, yes. I finally feel at peace with who I am, one of the mob”. The video concluded with her mocking a traditional clap stick dance and stating, “Aboriginal identity transcends skin colour. I am Aboriginal, end of story,” before holding a petrol can to her nose.
Strong Community Backlash
The footage triggered a swift backlash, including criticism from Brooke Blurton, the first Indigenous contestant on The Bachelorette. Expressing her disappointment, Blurton recorded a response on social media.
“I really hate that I have to make this video, but I cannot sit back and just let this happen,” Blurton said in the recording. She further stated: “I’m so sick of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people being the brunt of the joke because it’s not funny. You can argue that this is comedy, and it’s satire, and it’s funny, but it’s actually not … let’s be clear, it’s not humour, it’s a racist stereotype”.
Blurton challenged the creator, asking: “What in the world makes you think that this is funny, like it’s not a game, and it’s not your life. I’m an Aboriginal person, and I’ve never sniffed glue in my life … Why do you choose to humiliate and create more hate for a community that is already facing such prejudice and racism all the time?”.
Response from Employer and Related Parties
Peninsula Hot Springs confirmed the termination of Spencer’s employment via a Facebook statement. The company noted: “Peninsula Hot Springs is aware of concerns that have been raised regarding social media content circulating online from a former employee”. The statement added: “We want to acknowledge and sincerely recognise the concern and disappointment that has been expressed, particularly by members of First Nations communities, community partners and those who have reached out to us directly”. The company affirmed it does not support content inconsistent with its values of inclusion and cultural safety.
Spencer, who claims she was fired on the spot without notice, maintained her stance on the video and stated she would seek legal advice. She asserted: “People should not be fired from their work for their political views and comedy”. Spencer rejected claims of prejudice, arguing her parody was intended to satirize what she deemed an “absurd idea” regarding people claiming Indigenous identity for benefits.
SBS also issued a statement clarifying that Spencer is in no way associated with their content and that the unauthorized use of their logo had been reported. The broadcaster declared: “SBS unequivocally condemns all forms of racism and recognises the damaging impact it has on individuals, communities and social cohesion. Such views have no place in Australian society”.
