“Can I say something upfront,” he said. “A lot of people have been outraged on my behalf today. Someone started a petition that I know nothing about, media have been reporting stories I have been somehow bullied on this show last Wednesday night, the election special.

“I don’t feel I was bullied at –bullied at all. I’m a big boy, I can look after myself, let’s get on with the program.”

Watch the Price’s on-air statement:

During a discussion on Donald Trump’s presidential win last week, Price was expressing his opinion when he was interrupted by Rizvi.

The petition preamble claimed Price was insulted and humiliated.

“Steve (Price) was abruptly cut off and insulted by Jamila on national television, despite his best efforts to lower the outrageous tone being fuelled by the guest,” it says.

“Much to the dismay of thousands around the country, his peers joined in to further insult and humiliate Steve, who we all agree had done nothing wrong.”

The clip that sparked the petition

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFQYTPlOhxE
The proponents of the petition claimed that “in every single Facebook post detailing the exchange, the people of Australia have expressed their outrage of the leftist bullying that occurred, coming out in support of the conservative commentator”.

“Nobody, no matter what side of politics they fall on, should have to experience the abuse and degradation of what Steve had to go through on that program.”

Signatures on the petition grew swiftly throughout Monday morning, hitting its target of 25,000 around 1pm (AEDT).