Controversy
On the 28 February 2012 episode of The Circle, Stynes, along with George Negus, made comments about Corporal Ben Roberts-Smith, a Victoria Cross and Medal for Gallantry recipient. Commenting on a photograph of Roberts-Smith emerging from a pool and highlighting his well-developed muscular physique, Stynes suggested that he was diving to the bottom of a swimming pool to find his brain, while Negus quipped about Robert-Smith's ability to perform "in the sack". There were many complaints, especially on social media, with some people suggesting that Stynes resign and that viewers boycott the show. Both Stynes and Negus contacted Roberts-Smith personally to apologise and he accepted their apologies. The incident was criticised by the Returned Services League, the Parliamentary Secretary for Defence and the Defence Minister, Stephen Smith. Sponsors of the show - Big4, APT, SwisseVitamins, Saria Shoes, Yoplait, Hoselink, Mirvac Hotels, Jamaica Blue, Michael Hill Jewellers, Dulux and Mitsubishi - dropped their sponsorship or pulled advertising from the show, while fashion label Otto Mode continued their sponsorship. Channel 10 resisted calls to sack Stynes from the show and she retained her position as presenter until the show's cancellation five months later.
Read more about this topic: Yumi Stynes
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