‘What a load of rubbish!’ Australians defend The Wiggles after the children’s band was blasted by American parents for its ‘lack of diversity’
Australians have rushed to defend The Wiggles after American parents accused the popular children’s band of not being diverse enough.
As Black Lives Matter protests sweep the U.S. following the death of George Floyd, some fans suggested on Twitter that The Wiggles should set a better example by recruiting a black member.
But Aussies hit back on Friday, saying the criticism from overseas was ‘a load of rubbish’ and that the group does in fact encourage diversity.
‘What a load of rubbish!’ Australians have defended The Wiggles after the children’s band is blasted by Americans for its ‘lack of diversity’
In response to a Daily Mail Australia article about the initial backlash, an Australian fan wrote: ‘What a load of rubbish! They have a wide variety of multicultural guests!
‘What about Robbie, he’s a Maori, and Lee Hawkins, he is a Native American. Christine Anu, a Torres Strait Islander. Keep doing what you are doing The Wiggles.’
Another wrote: ‘Shouldn’t it be who is the most talented and best person for the job?’
A third added: ‘It’s The Wiggles for god’s sake and they entertain kids not represent the United Nations. Next thing they’ll want AC/DC diversified.’
Criticised: It comes after some parents in the US urged the group, through social media, to set a better example by recruiting a black member, in the wake of the Black Lives Movement
Defence: A critic on Facebook slammed the calls for a black member to be cast in the group and wrote, ‘What a load of rubbish! They have a wide variety of multicultural guests!
One Facebook user said that children ‘can’t tell’ skin colour until they are taught about racial difference by their parents.
Another commented: ‘Being Aboriginal myself, I’ve seen what The Wiggles do for us and it’s awesome.’
Daily Mail Australia has contacted a representative for The Wiggles for comment.
Lack of representation: The popular band, which was formed in 1991, features an all-white lineup, including (pictured L-R) Lachlan Gillespie, Emma Watkins, Simon Pryce and Anthony Field (back)
The popular band, which was formed in 1991, features an all-white lineup, including Emma Watkins, 30, Lachlan Gillespie, 34, Simon Pryce, 48, and Anthony Field, 57.
Jeff Fatt, an Australian of Chinese descent, was the group’s only non-white performer but he retired in 2012.
Earlier this week, American parents took to social media and blasted the group for its ‘lack of diversity’.
Previously: Jeff Fatt, an Australian of Chinese descent, was the group’s only non-white performer but he retired in 2012. Pictured on December 23, 2012 in Sydney
‘Can you get some black Wiggles?’ Much of the criticism appears to be coming from American parents
One person tweeted: ‘We’re watching the Wiggles this morning and I’m surprised by the lack of diversity and stereotypical gender roles for a current children’s show. What’s going on in Australia? Back to Sesame Street!’
Another wrote: ‘My daughter loves the Wiggles. Can y’all get some black wiggles together for her?’
A third commented: ‘Watching the wiggles with Moo I wanna turn it off because it’s no black ppl on here but she’s dancing so hard.’
‘What’s going on?’ Other American parents have urged the group to set a better example by recruiting a black member