Melbourne satirist fired after video mocking Indigenous woman
A Melbourne satirist has been fired from her job after posting a video in which she mocked an Indigenous woman and appeared to sniff petrol, drawing widespread condemnation and a formal rebuke from SBS over the unauthorised use of its logo.
The post by Lisa Jane Spencer has triggered strong backlash online and public statements from her former workplace and SBS distancing themselves from the content.
Key Points
- Melbourne satirist posts video mocking an Indigenous woman
- Clip shows petrol sniffing and unauthorised ‘SBS Insights’ logo
- Spencer says she was fired from a wellness retreat job
- Workplace cites values of inclusion, respect and cultural safety
- SBS says posts used its logo without authorisation and were reported
- Spencer refuses to apologise as backlash and followers surge
- Video re-uploaded with ‘Special Woke Service’ branding after strike
Controversial video and swift backlash
Spencer posted a video in which she pretended to be an Indigenous woman, opening with the line: “I started identifying as a black fella a few months ago.” The video showed her ticking “Yes I am” on a mock government form in response to “Am I Aboriginal?” and later appearing as “Aunty Lisa” in white face paint, mimicking singing while clapping two twigs together.
The skit concluded with Spencer inhaling from a red jerry can. She captioned the footage, “This transition hasn’t been easy, but it’s been worth it.” The video drew strong criticism online and, according to the article, earned her at least 10,000 followers. Spencer said in a separate statement on Wednesday that she would not apologise for the video.
The original upload displayed a fake ‘SBS Insights’ logo at the top, prompting a copyright strike on Thursday. Spencer later re-uploaded the clip with a replacement label, ‘Special Woke Service’.
Employment fallout
Spencer said the controversy cost her a job at a wellness retreat. Her former workplace issued a statement on Thursday acknowledging concerns about social media content from a former employee. It stated it was aware of the disappointment expressed by members of First Nations communities, community partners and people who had reached out directly. The workplace said it did not support or endorse content inconsistent with its values or its commitment to inclusion, respect and cultural safety.
SBS said it was aware of the posts and the unauthorised use of its logos. A spokesman said the posts and individuals were not associated with SBS content and had been reported. In a further statement, SBS condemned racism and stressed its harmful effects.
Spencer has produced more than 130 parodies across her channels. She moved into comedy after ten years as a singer-songwriter and music producer. Her past impersonations include Pauline Hanson, Abbie Chatfield and Donald Trump. She has also made a skit portraying a white woman who identified as Indian, claiming in that video to have assimilated with Indian culture.
