People are weirded out by this interview with New Zealand's Prime Minister
New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern certainly has been getting worldwide attention.
But an interview aired by the Australian version of 60 Minutes on Sunday has irked some people, who've labelled the piece by reporter Charles Wooley as "creepy" due to the focus on her looks and some pretty awkward comments about her pregnancy.
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"I’ve met a lot of prime ministers in my time, but none too young and not so many so smart, and never one so attractive," Wooley said in the feature.
A moment which became the source of significant ire was Wooley's questioning about Ardern's recently announced pregnancy, and the exact timing of conception, an analysis that appears to leave the couple uncomfortable.
With an unexpected - but very exciting - pregnancy, when @jacindaardern gives birth in June, she’ll become the first elected female western leader to have a child in office. #60Mins pic.twitter.com/mCB9rxeT81
— 60 Minutes Australia (@60Mins) February 25, 2018
"It's interesting how much people have been counting back to the conception as it were," Wooley said.
That got an awkward "really?" from Ardern's partner Clarke Gayford, as the couple appear to be visibly uneasy with the question.
The interview was often more interested in Ardern's personal life rather than her leadership or politics, which in the view of some people was "sexist" and "gross."
Commenting on @jacindaardern's level of attractiveness, doesn't seem to be at all relevant to her ability as a nation's leader #60Mins
— Emily G (@emily_a_george) February 25, 2018
Charles Woolley is bloody painful. Was interested in the Jacinda Ardern interview on 60 Minutes but he made it cringeworthy.
— Reg Roberts (@RugbyReg) February 25, 2018
I assumed #60mins would have a second half of the Jacinda interview after the break that talked about her policies and political achievements. But... nothing. All we got was sexist comments about her looks and baby talk. Ugh. Absolutely shitful journalism... *changes channel* 🙄
— Priscilla Sutton (@trisgilla) February 25, 2018
Dear New Zealand 🇳🇿, our best mate, you know how everyone has a creepy Uncle you need to avoid at Xmas parties? Sorry we got him to interview your PM. Please tell @jacindaardern we reckon it was gross.
Love, Australia 🇦🇺 https://t.co/B9Bz3AQRsk— Belinda Barnet (@manjusrii) February 26, 2018
Ardern told reporters on Monday she "wasn't fazed" by the interview, even if the question about the conception date took her aback.
"You're assuming that I haven't been asked that question before by New Zealand media as well... At the time certainly, I think that question threw me a little bit, but it would be going a bit far to say I was somehow offended by it. I wasn't. It's one I think put under the heading of too much information," she said, according to Fairfax Media.
Wooley said he didn't regret the interview, telling Newstalk ZB he took the angle because Australian viewers wouldn't be as interested in New Zealand issues like housing and university fees.
He also dismissed claims she was uncomfortable or that he was sexist, noting Ardern's press secretary said the Prime Minister "enjoyed" the chat.
"On 60 Minutes they want to see this wonderful couple," he said. "I just loved being with them, I thought they were so much fun, such a breath of fresh air ... it was just terrific to be with them."
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