Australian News Channel Issues Apology to MP for Manipulating Image, Editing Body and Attire

An Australian TV channel, 9News Melbourne, issued an unreserved apology for digitally altering a photo of Victorian MP Georgie Purcell.

The edited image aired on their broadcast, showing her in a halter top instead of her actual white sleeveless dress, which inappropriately exposed her midriff and seemingly enhanced her chest.

Purcell expressed disbelief and highlighted the double standards in media treatment of male and female politicians.

Channel director Hugh Nailon attributed the mistake to an automation error during the resizing process in Photoshop, but Adobe refuted this, stating that the alterations would have required human input.

MP Purcell doubted a male colleague would have received the same treatment and emphasized the negative implications for women in politics. Victoria's state premier, Jacinta Allan, also denounced the incident, emphasizing its poor message to young women.