A trio of ABC journalists captured the awkward moment they attempted a viral TikTok fashion trend that’s sweeping social media.
Reporter Amal Wehbe appeared on a panel alongside fellow journalists Dan Bourchier and Johanna Nicholson, where she taught them how to do the “boots and a slicked-back bun” trend.
This healthy trend involves a group singing about two items of clothing that make a statement while dancing.
In the ABC studio, Johanna highlighted her ‘burgundy earrings and top’ combination, while Dan changed his at the last minute.
“I told you one more thing before. I’m going: koala pin and dark blue suit,” he said.
Meanwhile, Amal chanted: “Pink shirt and red nails.”
The group of presenters then attempted to perform the catchy tune, but it seemed a little out of tune from the original viral clip.
“We have to practice. But that’s the general idea,” Johanna said.
A trio of ABC journalists have captured the moment they attempted a viral TikTok fashion trend that is sweeping social media.
“I think we did great. I think we should all start our TikTok careers right now,” Amal joked.
Fans didn’t mind the mistake and praised the video’s wholesome nature.
“You absolutely nailed it,” wrote one user.
“I didn’t know how it was going to turn out and I think they nailed it,” Amal added later in the comments.
The light-hearted video comes months after ABC removed a TikTok story that portrayed consumer boycotts of Israel in a flattering light.
Amal’s social media story about the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) protest movement targeting goods and products seen as pro-Israel was suddenly removed from ABC’s TikTok account in December.
The story goes that a restaurant owner suggests that the only way to harm Israel is to “fight money with money.”
Amal, who previously identified as Palestinian on her TikTok page and previously worked for ABC children’s current affairs show Behind the News, promised her viewers to answer the question of why people were boycotting Coca-Cola.
Reporter Amal Wehbe appeared on a panel alongside fellow journalists Dan Bourchier (left) and Johanna Nicholson (right), where she taught them how to rock the “boots and slicked-back bun” trend.
He interviewed the owner of Cedar Wrap, a Lebanese restaurant in Bankstown, west of Sydney, who was identified only as ‘Oz’ and waved a microphone with a large ABC logo during his appearances.
Oz said he had been boycotting Israeli and American products for two months, the most notable example being Coca-Cola and other soft drinks from the American beverage giant.
Amal explained that “the BDS site says that Coca-Cola operates a factory in Adera, considered illegal under international law.”
The report, which lasted just over a minute, contained no criticism of the BDS movement but instead focused on whether it had been successful in punishing companies and changing their stance toward Israel.
“Since October 7, there has been a lot more talk about BDS and organizers say it makes a difference,” Amal said.
The report again focuses on Australia. “Many people say that boycotts don’t work. In fact, boycotts are extremely important,” he said.
“The only way to fight money is with money.”
This comes months after a story featuring Amal about the consumer boycott movement targeting Israel was removed from ABC’s TikTok page.
Amal gives us her final summary.
“It’s hard to know how much of a financial impact this move has on a brand, but organizers say the shift in sentiment among customers is powerful in itself,” she said.
Anti-Defamation Commission Chairman Dr Dvir Abramovich said the report was “unbelievable”.
“While I welcome the removal of the video, I call on the board and management to investigate this alarming matter,” he said.
“This report crossed so many red lines that I stopped counting.”
He said TikTok was particularly incendiary “at a time when anti-Semitism is skyrocketing.”
“When Jewish students in schools and universities are attacked for who they are and for supporting Israel, this story only fans the flames of hostility,” said Dr. Abramovich.
Cedar Wrap was contacted but declined to comment further.
ABC was asked for comment at the time of initial publication.
