Australian Politicians Condemn 'Ditch the Witch' Billboard Campaign Targeting Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan
Truck-mounted billboards featuring Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan alongside the phrase 'ditch the witch' and AI-generated images depicting her with a pointed hat and warts have been circulating around Melbourne for approximately six weeks. The campaign has drawn condemnation from former Prime Minister Julia Gillard and current Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, among other politicians. The incident has reignited debate about gendered attacks on female political leaders in Australia.
Billboards mounted on trucks have been spotted around Melbourne for roughly six weeks, displaying the phrase 'ditch the witch' alongside AI-generated images of Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan wearing a black pointed hat and with warts on her chin. The advertisements appeared alongside promotions for a brothel on the same billboards. Former Prime Minister Julia Gillard, who herself faced the 'ditch the witch' slogan during her tenure, and current Prime Minister Anthony Albanese have both publicly condemned the campaign as sexist. The phrase has a notable history in Australian politics, having been used against Gillard during her time in office. The incident has prompted broader discussion about the use of gendered and misogynistic imagery in political attacks against women in public life.
What's missing
The identity of the individuals or groups responsible for funding and organizing the billboard campaign is not clearly established in the available coverage, nor is any stated political motivation beyond opposition to the Victorian premier.
How coverage differed
The sole source available is The Guardian, which frames the billboards primarily through the lens of sexism and misogyny, emphasizing the condemnation from prominent Labor figures. Coverage from right-leaning or centrist outlets may have placed greater emphasis on free speech considerations or the political motivations behind the campaign.
What different sources said
- The GuardianLeft
‘Sexist’: Gillard and Albanese condemn ‘ditch the witch’ campaign against Victorian premier
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