What happened to Stan Grant?

Australian journalist and tv host, Stan Grant is reportedly stepping down as the host of Q+A after facing racial abuse due to speaking about the impact of colonialism during King Charles’ coronation.

He shared in a column that he’d be walking away from the show after Monday (May 15, 2023) episode of the show.

“Since the King’s coronation, I have seen people in the media lie and distort my words. They have tried to depict me as hate filled. They have accused me of maligning Australia,” he said.

“Nothing could be further from the truth. My ancestors would not allow me to be filled with hate. I am writing this because no one at the ABC – whose producers invited me onto their coronation coverage as a guest – has uttered one word of public support,” he added.

“Not one ABC executive has publicly refuted the lies written or spoken about me. I don’t hold any individual responsible; this is an institutional failure. I value the friendship of ABC Directors of News, Justin Stevens. He has been a support and a comfort. He is trying to change an organization that has its own legacy of racism. But he knows I am disappointed. I am dispirited,” he explained.

“I was not the producer nor presenter of the coronation broadcast yet every newspaper article accusing the ABC of bias has carried my image. I am writing this because I will not have people depict me as a person of hate,” he shared bitterly.

Stevens also shared in a separate statement that Grant has been subjected to intensive racist abuse including threats of his safety, which has even been reported to the police.

“This has become particularly virulent since he appeared as part of the ABC’s Coronation coverage. It is abhorrent and unacceptable. Stan is one of Australia’s best and most respected journalists and broadcasters. The ABC stands by him and condemn attacks directed towards him,” Stevens wrote.