Sacked radio host Jeremy Cordeax doubles down on Brittany Higgins criticism

Former FiveAA host, Jeremy Cordeaux, has doubled down on his problematic criticism of alleged rape victim Brittany Higgins.

Higgins alleges she was raped inside Parliament House in 2019 and has since become a symbol of the consequences of sexism, rape culture and victim blaming in Australia’s most powerful offices.

FiveAA’s Weekend Breakfast host, Cordeaux, however criticised Higgins for putting herself in danger, contending she was a “silly little girl who got drunk” and suggesting she “should have her bottom smacked”.

Cordeaux was subsequently sacked from NOVA Entertainment, with the broadcaster offering apologies for the inappropriate and offensive comments.

“The views expressed by Mr Cordeaux do not reflect those held by FIVEaa and NOVA Entertainment, and we unequivocally withdraw them, Breakfast co-host David Penberthy said on air.

“Mr Cordeaux’s employment has been terminated, and FIVEaa and NOVA Entertainment have immediately taken broader action to ensure this can never happen again.”

Cordeaux, however, has doubled down and said his comments are “perfectly true” and that he was surprised by his former employer’s reaction, according to the ABC.

He also rejected claims he was victim blaming Higgins.

“I’m saying each and every one of us has the inalienable responsibility to take charge of one’s life,” he said. “Do not put yourself in jeopardy.”

The ABC reported he said he would be willing to sit down with Higgins, not to apologise, but to explain what he was “getting at”.

“I would say to her, would I be right in saying that I feel that you’ll never be that silly again?” he said.

“Have you learned your lesson?

“Do you understand that you can’t trust men in general, colleagues perhaps, in particular?”

Higgins, meanwhile, said she was grateful to FiveAA and NOVA Entertainment for taking action aginst Cordeaux.

I’m grateful to @NovaEntAU and @1395FIVEaa for standing up for the one in five Australian women who will experience sexual assault in their lifetime.

I politely disagree Mr Cordeaux. No, I do not deserve to have my “bottom smacked”. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/5MQqXWeXud

— Brittany Higgins (@BrittHiggins_) March 29, 2021

“This rhetoric isn’t helpful especially given the cultural reckoning about consent that is taking place across the country,” she said.

“Instead of seeking to modify the behaviour of victims, let’s try to address how we can deter perpetrators of sexual crimes.”