Popular comedian Magda Szubanski has defended why attacked the Prime Minister’s wife and her Christian faith in a controversial tweet in April 2021.

The controversy began when a photograph was released of Scott Morrison signing a condolence book for Queen Elizabeth, following the death of her husband Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh.

In the image a sombre Mrs (Jenny) Morrison, dressed in black and standing in the background, watches on.

Magda had shared a tweet from a left leaning group and added: “I genuinely thought this was a photoshopped Handmaid’s Tale meme. But no. It’s 21st century Aussie life.”

The television star and author endured days of criticism over the social media pot shot and was accused of appalling conduct.

The ABC's religion and ethics website adds: "So, should the family members of politicians be exempt from public criticism in light of the existing challenges for public communication? Our answer is “yes”. It is unfair and unethical to attack, humiliate or hurt a family member on account of their relationship with an elected representative."

http://www.abc.net.au/religion/should-politicians-families-be-off-limits-from-criticism/13318474

Magda has since defended her position, saying the Prime Minister's wide should not be exempt from criticism. Free speech is also something to consider. Should Magda though have gone after the Prime Minister's wife in the first place?

It is a disgraceful thing to bully anyone's
wife in such a way. Magda Szubanski has in
the past been held up as a champion of
diversity. Today in a time of increased
condemnation of the bullying of women Szubanski's
bullying of a PM's wife does not bode well.

Social media has a lot to answer. It's a
battleground where insults fly, damaging lives,
destroying self esteem and a person's sense of
self worth.

I can't understand why Magda, who's experienced
bullying herself would stoop to such an act.
It certainly does not pass as humour. No excuse.

Normally, no. But Morrison is always telling us what his wife thinks, what she says to him about about sexual politics, and so on. So, he makes her a public figure, and it's his fault if she cops flak. If she doesn't like it, she should tell her husband to shut his gob, and not drag her into the dirty business of politics. I cannot stand that alleged comedian with the Polish name who discussed Mrs. Morrison on Twitter in an insulting manner, but she was right when she said that the PM made his wife fair game.

Noting photo in question http://womensagenda.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Screen-Shot-2021-04-15-at-10.43.36-am-e1618447512523.png dutiful wife in black wears a Handmaid's bonnet NOT.

Some typical male chauvanist bloke advised:

"Magda may be so fat

http://media.apnarm.net.au/media/images/2021/04/14/v3imagesbind4426d35c8dd782e34e3bb148a495cb0-z11jbdtelmjz1u817w2_ct1880x930.jpg

she should sit on every Hand Maidist politician's spouse, instead."

I believe Magda is shining rep for LGBTIQ-ABC causes. Brothers, sisters and neuters of OLO conjoin!

I remember Julia Gillard's partner - Tim
Mathieson being the butt of jokes for his
profession (hairdresser) and even one radio
host asking Gillard if he was gay.

Then the show "At home with Julia" broadcast
by the ABC mocked the couple and even referred
to their sex life.

Then of course you also had the criticisms of
Kevin Rudd's wife daring to have a business of
her own. We all heard about Sonia McMahon's
"controversial" dress which showed more than
it should have at that time. And Janet Howard's
"influence" on her husband.

Still it keeps women's magazines and the media
in business. Look at Harry and Meghan's "influence."
It sells!

Hi there TTBN and FOXY...

I have a similar view of Ms Magda SZUBANSKI; I neither like her on-air personality nor her acting or entertainment style. Accordingly, I'm at a loss on how she managed to enjoy an apparently successful acting career?

That aside, as far as her remarks are concerned, apropos the PM's Wife, I've always been of the view that ordinary people (save for politicians themselves, and even them, with moderation and circumspection), should confine their critical remarks, especially of other government figures and their kin, to less public venues.

I wonder, therefore, how Ms SZUBANSKI might feel herself if someone publically and critically disapproved or disparaged her acting and entertainment qualities. She should remember, we all bleed when cut.

"Should Magda though have gone after the Prime Minister's wife in the first place?"

No, probably not.
- But only because it was for a funeral, and criticism of ones attire at a funeral is certainly not in good taste.

But was she wrong?
- No, not really.
Was it funny?
- Yes, a little and that's because at first glance there is a resemblance to the type of attire worn in the show.
http://www.sbs.com.au/guide/sites/sbs.com.au.guide/files/styles/full/public/the-handmaids-tale-after-1.jpg?itok=dzqtUu4x&mtime=1527746275

"So, should the family members of politicians be exempt from public criticism in light of the existing challenges for public communication? Our answer is “yes”. It is unfair and unethical to attack, humiliate or hurt a family member on account of their relationship with an elected representative."

HELL NO.

If you can't handle the criticism from the general public that you (as well as your family) are CERTAINLY GOING TO GET:
- Then don't run for office.

If you have a partner that doesn't want to ever be in the limelight
- Then don't run for office.

If you want to stand up as a representative of the community
- Then that doesn't mean ONLY KIND WORDS, it means criticism too.

Criticism whilst in public office SHOULD BE EXPECTED AT ALL TIMES

If you want a quiet peaceful humble life, then don't marry a person who has aspirations to become the Prime Minister.

A closer look shows the dress itself, it really isn't all that bad.
http://twitter.com/MFWitches/status/1381002740361355264/photo/1
A look at the comments shows Magda wasn't the only one criticising.
http://twitter.com/MagdaSzubanski/status/1381084653205954560

One thing we can say about Magda.
She's probably the least attractive woman in the country before Gina Rhinehart, but at least she can take a joke.
How many harsh comments do you think Magda faced in her younger days?
She didn't curl up into the fetal position and snowflake out.
- She can take it, she's surely got thicker skin than others

Dear AC,

I've read Magda's biography and she did have
difficulties with bullying and
yes she did manage to deal with it eventually.
I admire her as an actress and entertainer
but I still feel that she should not contribute
to poking fun at the PM's wife. It was unnecessary
and uncalled for. In other words - a cheap shot!