Shocking video resurfaces of Don Burke asking model about her breasts
As an embattled Don Burke denies allegations he sexually harassed his female co-workers, footage has resurfaced online showing the TV star asking a swimwear model about her breasts.
A joint investigation by the ABC and Fairfax Media catalogued a series of allegations against Burke by more than 50 former employees of Burke's Backyard.
Footage that was filmed during the show’s heyday has now resurfaced where the father-of-two asks swimsuit model Annalise Braakensiek a rather unusual question.
“Cross my heart and promise to God I will not ask you the question that you know,” Burke said.
“I will not ask you the question, are your breasts real... but are they?"
Burke asks swimsuit model Annalise Braakensiek a lewd question. Source: Nine Network
Former researcher Louise Langdon has accused Mr Burke of harassment and groping.
"He decided that it was okay for him to put his hands on my T-shirt and try and pull my bra strap, my bra, off and somehow remove my clothing,” Ms Langdon told the ABC.
Bridget Ninness, a former producer, also accused Burke of bullying and crude behaviour.
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"He was lewd. He was lewd and he was crude and he loved … to shock you, it was always of a sexual nature so it was always designed to confront you and to demean you," she said.
Burke has hired defamation expert Patrick George, a senior partner of Kennedys Australia.
The star was described as a 'psychotic bully' and 'sexual predator'. Source: Getty
Louise Langdon worked as a researcher on Burke's radio and TV programs. Source: ABC
In his statement Burke described himself as "a classic sitting duck" because he not only presented the program but ran the production company behind it, meaning he inevitably had to fire some employees.
He said he chose many women, including nutritionist Rosemary Stanton and award-winning author Jackie French, to be on his program because they were the best in their field.
"My staff and I regarded the CTC productions workplace as being a very safe workplace and I am very happy to provide female and male witnesses to affirm this," Mr Burke said.
"We have had in place for some time now robust policies and procedures for dealing with complaints and to support our staff in such circumstances," Nine said in a statement.
