From his batting to his bowling to his Gangnam Style celebrations, casual has always been Chris Gayle’s way. The Jamaican has always been a reliable source of entertainment, especially in the Indian Premier League. But the West Indies player seemingly went too far on Monday during a flirtatious interview with a woman reporter at a local Twenty20 game in Australia, drawing plenty of criticism and accusations of misogyny.
After being dismissed for a characteristically brutal 41 off 15 balls for the Melbourne Renegades against Hobart Hurricanes in the Big Bash League, Gayle was interviewed by television reporter Mel McLaughlin. When she asked about his innings, Gayle replied: “I just wanted to have an interview with you as well, that’s why I batted so well.”
With no visible reaction from the reporter, he continued, “Your eyes are beautiful, hopefully we can win this game and then we can have a drink after as well… Don’t blush baby.” An unmoved McLaughlin then said that she was not blushing.
The interview instantly sparked off furore on social media, with many users including former England international Andrew Flintoff criticising Gayle.
As the criticism continued, the Big Bash League organisers were forced to release a statement in which it called Gayle’s comments disrespectful and inappropriate, indicating that action was likely to be taken against the 36-year-old.
The incident also led to a debate about double standards on sexism, as some pointed out how tennis player Maria Sharapova was not criticised for flirting with a male reporter at a press conference a few years ago.
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