The hosts of The Project were left stunned and silent after guest Amy Remeikis made a bizarre comment on air about “shitty dads” on Father’s Day.
The Guardian’s political editor appeared on Channel Ten’s current affairs programme on Sunday night to discuss Australia’s housing shortage and cost of living crisis.
At the end of her interview with hosts Hamish Macdonald and Sarah Harris, Ms Remeikis ended by highlighting Father’s Day with a sarcastic comment.
“Happy Father’s Day to all the dads who aren’t shit and to all the moms and everyone else who had to defend shitty dads,” she said.
The bizarre off-the-cuff comment left the hosts baffled and speechless, and a bemused Harris appeared to grimace.
“Okay, in other news,” Macdonald finally replied as he quickly moved on to the next segment.
The studio audience laughed and the awkward moment went viral on social media.
Dozens of viewers took to X to question the confusing reference after the show shared the segment online, which has since been deleted.
At the end of the interview about the rental crisis in Australia, Amy Remeikis (pictured) wished dads a happy Father’s Day in an unusual way.
“What was that little speech about shitty dads?” one viewer asked.
‘Spending more time using the hairdryer instead of being mean might be a better career decision.’
Others criticized the comment and felt it should not have been published.
“Happy Father’s Day to the dads who aren’t stupid. Seriously? What a stupid thing to say,” wrote another viewer.
‘Just say happy Father’s Day, or don’t.’
But some viewers saw the funny side.
“Just watched Amy Remeikis talk about capitalism and bad dads on Father’s Day. I can’t imagine anything equivalent on British TV,” one person wrote.
“Haha, what the fuck, dads,” another person chimed in.
The bizarre comment left presenters Hamish Macdonald and Sarah Harris speechless (pictured)
Single parents raising their children alone also came to Remeikis’ defense.
“Just saw you on The Project. As a mom who plays both roles. THANK YOU!” wrote one mom.
Another viewer wrote: “Just watched the end of your ad on The Project. Love your work!”
Ms. Remeikis provides political commentary on various television and radio programs and is often seen on ABC’s Insider’s program.
Ms Remeikis said the government should be concerned about leaving renters behind in the upcoming federal election as the housing crisis worsens.
He said Australians are being priced out of the housing market and criticised failed housing policies that have made home ownership increasingly unaffordable.