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All admin workers are ‘bogan’, says Waleed Aly

Waleed Aly's bogan comment got a swift reaction from viewers.

Waleed Aly's bogan comment got a swift reaction from viewers. Photo: Network Ten

Project host Waleed Aly has been blasted by the programme’s viewers after generalising that Australia’s administration workers are all “bogan”.

Waleed made the arguably bizarre remark during a panel discussion about a Gumtree advertisement placed by a small business in Perth.

“Must have good references. Drug free, also child and pet friendly. No bogans or rough people need apply,” the advertisement read, according to a report in Perth Now on Sunday.

Waleed picked up on the story during Monday’s episode, joined by fellow panellists Carrie Bickmore, Peter Helliar and Gretel Killeen.

“If you’re not taking bogans, where are you going to find good admin people?” Waleed theorised.

He then repeated the assertion: “Where are they going to get them from?”

Bickmore appeared to agree with Waleed’s sweeping generalisation, adding “good point”.

Co-host Helliar chimed in: “Maybe don’t use the word bogans. You could say people with mullets and Bintang singlets need not apply.”

While Waleed’s comment drew audible gasps of disbelief from the live audience, it was social media that appeared to take the greatest offence, with many accusing him of sanctimonious elitism and snobbery.

https://twitter.com/WoodenLucy/status/831249075718672385

https://twitter.com/waqem/status/831051377090498560

Later in the program, Bickmore made it clear to Waleed that the comment had put more than a few noses out of joint.

“You want to say anything to the bogans of Australia?” she asked.

Watch the offending segment

Waleed was quick to try to clarify his comment.

“In my head I was making the opposite point to what came out, the idea that admin people are bogans is ridiculous, but it came out the wrong way around,” he ventured.

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