An outspoken Aussie politician claims Qantas CEO Alan Joyce forced Rugby Australia to sack Israel Folau over his controversial social media post about homosexuality.
Folau had his contract with Rugby Australia – of which Qantas is a sponsor – terminated last month after posting the following back in April on social media:
At the time of the post, Qantas CEO Alan Joyce said the comments were “really disappointing” and “clearly don’t reflect the spirit of inclusion and diversity” that the airline supports.
Commenting under parliamentary privilege yesterday, One Nation NSW leader Mark Latham said Qantas’ views on Folau’s comments about homosexuals going to hell had Rugby Australia worried about losing the airline as a sponsor, and therefore forced the rugby star’s departure, according to The Australian.
“The head of Rugby Australia is putting a commercial value on the religious freedom of Israel Folau,” Latham said.
“That just shows the fix was in. Qantas knew Folau was going to get punted.
“Ms Castle was acting as the slave of Joyce within her organisation.
“She knew what he wanted without even a direct conversation with him.”
Qantas declined to comment further when contacted by Travel Weekly, instead redirecting back to another statement made by Joyce in May.
“We don’t sponsor something to get involved in controversy. That’s not part of the deal,” the Qantas CEO said last month.
“We expect our partners to take the appropriate action. It’s their issue – they have to deal with it.”
