Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard was being interviewed by Fairfax radio host Howard Sattler this past Thursday, when things got a bit too personal.
Sattler asked why the Prime Minister wasn't married to her partner, Tim Mathieson:
The conversation turned ugly when Sattler brought up one particular internet rumor:
Sattler Rumours, snide jokes, innuendoes... You've been the butt of them many times.
JG: Well, I think that's probably right; we've certainly seen a few this week.
Sattler: Can I test a few out?
JG: In what way?
Sattler: 'Tim's Gay'
JG: Well...
Sattler I'm saying... that's a myth.
JG: Well that's absurd.
Sattler: You hear it! 'He must be gay; he's a hairdresser.' ...but you've heard it! It's not me saying it, it's what people say!
She hands it right back to him:
The shocking question set off a Twitter storm:
Howard Sattler seriously just asked the PM to confirm that Tim isn't gay. Baffling interview.
— Mike Hopkin (@mikehopkin) June 13, 2013
Howard Sattler seriously just asked the PM to confirm that Tim isn't gay. Baffling interview. this what commentators have been lowered too
— Geoff Pearson (@GCobber99) June 13, 2013
Sattler didn't back down, but instead asked her to confirm his sexuality:
JG: Oh Howard, don't be ridiculous, of course not.
Sattler: But you're in a heterosexual relationship? That's all I'm asking.
JG: Howard let me just bring you back to earth, you and I have just talked about me and Tim living at the lodge, we live there together as a couple, you know that.
The Prime Minister was obviously rattled, but handled the situation with poise and class:
Howard Sattler has since made an on-air "apology"— if that's what you can call it:
Sattler has since been suspended from the air.
Watch a clip:
View this video on YouTube
And read the transcript.