Centrist have criticised mainstream media for not questioning the content of Green MP Benjamin Doyle’s “Bussy Galore” Instagram post.
Doyle posted a photo of a child with the caption “Bussy Galore” on a now-private Instagram account, sparking public backlash due to the sexual connotation of the term. The Green Party, led by co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick, defended Doyle, calling criticism a conspiracy and claiming the term is queer slang used absurdly. Deputy PM Winston Peters questioned Doyle’s judgment and criticised the media for downplaying the issue.
Mainstream media, including Stuff, RNZ, and the NZ Herald, published near-identical reports focusing on threats against Doyle rather than the Instagram content itself. Critics argue there’s a clear double standard, pointing out that MPs from right-wing parties have faced far more scrutiny for less recent or less direct controversies.
TVNZ was the only major outlet to openly question the Greens’ defence. Meanwhile, Spinoff editor Madeleine Chapman admitted she knew about Doyle’s account months ago but chose not to report it. Many are accusing media and political allies of protecting Doyle and avoiding deeper questions about his judgment and conduct.
Read the full article at Centrist