In this special weekend edition of The Briefing we give you an extended version of our interview with Magda.

 

She’s one of Australia’s most loved comedians however Magda Szubanski was recently targeted by a coordinated “avalanche of hate” from rightwing extremists and COVID deniers after appearing in a Victorian government ad encouraging mask use.

 

As you’ll hear this is a subject Magda knows a lot about, and is really passionate about. 

 

We find out:

• Why Magda thinks she was a victim of “brigading”. 
• Why people are more tribal/aggressive during the pandemic and social media enables pile-ons. 
• Whether she considered asking for the ads to be taken down after the pile-on. 
• Why Magda sometimes feeds the trolls and what she wanted to achieve by replying to them. 
• The reasons she felt it was important to call out Covid-19 deniers. 
• Why marriage equality has shaped the way she has responded to Covid-19 deniers
• When she finally understood the impact of trolling. 
• Why “report and support” is the best approach and why she wouldn’t recommend other people taking on trolls. 

 

Follow The Briefing

Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast 
Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAU
Twitter: @TheBriefingAU 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.