One NZ Cuts Actress from Ads After Controversial Protest Involvement

One NZ has decided to remove footage featuring actress Acacia O’Connor from its advertising campaign following her online disclosure of Winston Peters‘ personal address. O’Connor invited the public to join a pro-Palestine protest outside his home, actions that sparked significant backlash and discussion among political leaders in New Zealand.

The controversy escalated when Nicola Willis, a member of the National Party, urged One NZ to reconsider O’Connor’s role in their campaign. Speaking at Parliament, she stated, “They’ve made their own choice. Clearly, they condemn the behaviour of that individual and I think most New Zealanders would.” Willis condemned O’Connor’s actions as lacking “basic humanity” and inappropriate for revealing private addresses on social media.

Government Leaders Respond

In response to the situation, Winston Peters, leader of New Zealand First, expressed support for One NZ’s decision, reinforcing his stance against the sharing of personal information online. He labeled the act of publicizing his address as “tragic” and affirmed that the company acted correctly in severing ties with O’Connor.

“It is completely inappropriate to give people’s private addresses out on social media and to protest outside people’s homes in the way that she did,”

said Willis, underscoring the serious implications of the actress’s actions.

Green Party co-leader Chloë Swarbrick entered the fray, arguing that while sharing politicians’ addresses online is not appropriate, the focus of government ministers should shift away from bullying protesters. “We have New Zealanders who are currently exercising their legal right to protest, who are being bullied by some of the most powerful people in the country,” she stated, highlighting concerns about the financial repercussions these actions have on individuals involved in protests.

Swarbrick noted her lack of prior knowledge regarding O’Connor’s involvement in a media conference on Monday, where O’Connor appeared alongside her. She emphasized that the event was organized by the community, stating, “We helped to facilitate things,” but acknowledged the need for better briefing in the future.

Political Rhetoric and Accountability

The exchange of statements reflects a growing tension in the political landscape. Swarbrick criticized Willis for her earlier metaphorical remark, “call the dogs off,” suggesting it intensified the rhetoric surrounding the protests. In defense, Willis clarified that her expression was a common metaphor, noting its origins in Shakespeare.

Swarbrick also urged reporters to question Peters about his potential role in escalating political rhetoric that contributed to the resignation of former Green MP Benjamin Doyle. Peters dismissed any accusations of hypocrisy, asserting that Doyle had faced abuse before any public comments were made about his previous social media activity. “Go look at the chronology and try to get a bit of research behind your question,” he advised.

As the situation continues to unfold, it reveals deeper issues surrounding free speech, protest rights, and the responsibilities of public figures in New Zealand’s current political environment. The timely removal of O’Connor from One NZ’s campaign serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of actions taken in the digital age, particularly when they intersect with political discourse.