Lisa Millar has been inundated with online abuse from keyboard warriors after she announced live on air that she was leaving ABC News Breakfast after five years as co-presenter.
The veteran journalist surprised viewers on Wednesday by announcing that she will be stepping down from the show at the end of August.
Social media trolls relentlessly criticised the morning news legend in the hours after his resignation, prompting outrage from many of Millar’s loyal friends who leapt to his defence and denounced the abuse.
Among his biggest supporters was “recovering ex-Murdoch columnist” Paul Syvret, who has known Millar for more than 25 years.
“I have known Lisa Millar personally and professionally for 25 years,” he posted on X.
“She is one of the most experienced journalists and presenters in the country and has the highest integrity. The abuses taking place here today are disgusting.”
Author Mike Carlton, who “regularly” worked with Millar on the ABC radio show in Sydney, also stepped in to defend her.
“She was always completely professional and a pleasure to work with,” he tweeted.
Lisa Millar has been the subject of constant online abuse since resigning live on ABC’s Breakfast Morning show on Wednesday.
ABC News Breakfast co-host Lisa Millar leaves the show after five years at the helm
“The abuse is not only disgusting; some of it suggests sick minds.”
Journalist Neil McMahon described Millar’s resignation as “a sign of the disgusting dislocation of many on this platform, which by posting this requires disabling replies to this tweet.”
Millar, who has yet to publicly respond to the backlash, lamented his time on the show, calling it “a blast.”
“It’s been a fantastic last five years, whether it’s been interviewing prime ministers and world opinion leaders or being supported at karaoke by my childhood idol Gladys Knight,” she told viewers on Wednesday.
“In 35 years of journalism, I have never done anything so exciting, unpredictable and fun. This has only worked because of the incredible team in front of the cameras and behind the scenes, who have made me laugh.”
News Breakfast co-host Michael Rowland also shared his thoughts on the “sad news”.
“I wish Lisa all the best on those back roads and in her dog herding duties. And enjoy the naps,” she wrote online after the show ended.
Another of Millar’s colleagues, James Glenday, also thanked her for being “a wonderful friend, colleague and mentor.”
“I’m sad that he’s leaving the show, but happy that he can move on to other important things,” she said.
Millar’s co-presenter Michael Rowland said the news of his colleague’s departure was “sad”.
Another of Millar’s co-workers, James Glenday, said Millar had been a “mentor” to him.
Millar will remain at the national broadcaster in a project-based role.
“I’m going on to have more adventures with Back Roads and Muster Dogs. Muster Dogs just keeps getting bigger and bigger. There’s a lot to do and exciting new projects. That means it’s a farewell,” he said.
Millar’s appearance on the show included controversy last year when she wore a skirt with a high slit that some viewers felt was too revealing.
Millar said she felt sickened by the comments, especially since they were made so close to International Women’s Day.
“The fact that what I wore on Monday attracted nasty comments on Twitter, disgusting personal insults that I did not want to and could not repeat here, was disturbing,” she said at the time.
‘I’m angry on this International Women’s Day. Angry on behalf of myself and also on behalf of other women, young women, who see these stories and see someone like me being violently abused day in and day out, for whatever reason the harassers can find.
“I’m worried that this might make you think that progress isn’t being made and that it’s not worth it to be a woman in the public sphere.”
Millar went on to say that she had received an outpouring of support following the harassment, which had given her “hope”.
Millar will remain at the national broadcaster in a project-based role.
She joined ABC in 1993 and is one of the network’s longest-serving foreign correspondents, having worked as a bureau chief in both the United States and Europe.
Millar first joined ABC News Breakfast in 2018 and became a permanent presenter alongside Rowland the following year.
She joined ABC in 1993 and is one of the network’s longest-serving foreign correspondents, having worked as a bureau chief in both the United States and Europe.
ABC News chief Justin Stevens said the network valued Millar “immensely.”
“Lisa Millar is an outstanding journalist and presenter who embodies the best values and attributes of ABC journalists,” he said.
‘While we are sad to lose her from News, I am excited to see her take advantage of this opportunity and continue to go from strength to strength at ABC.
‘He has done a fantastic job presenting News Breakfast for the past five years, one of the toughest jobs in Australian television.
‘The tireless hours never hampered her incredible warmth and energy, nor her passion for delivering the best program for her audience.’
Millar’s last day on the show will be August 23.
