‘Mentally exhausted’ radio host Sheargold speaks out
Radio personality Marty Sheargold has taken "extended leave" amid mixed reports about an incident at the MCG. Photo: Getty
Radio and TV personality Marty Sheargold has gone on “extended leave”, amid reports he was booted out of the AFL grand final for his offensive behaviour.
Triple M host and star of ABC TV comedy Fisk Sheargold made his first public comments on Thursday, amid mixed reports about the incident in Melbourne nearly three weeks ago.
“I just wanted to let people know that I’ll be taking an extended break from work, with the very kind and compassionate permission of my employer SCA, who have been generous in their understanding of my need for a break,” he wrote on Instagram.
“I think it’s important for people like myself, who have a public voice, to admit that I am exhausted mentally from my range of commitments across TV, radio and live shows, in an attempt to continue to remove some of the roadblocks and stigma around mental health.
“I need to set aside some time to get my work-life balance back into something that feels better than it has over the last couple of years. Thank you to everyone who has reached out; your support has been welcome and enriching.”
Sheargold, who hosts Triple M’s The Marty Sheargold Show in Melbourne, has been absent from radio since reports emerged last week that he was booted out of the MCG on September 30 due to poor behaviour.
The Herald Sun has claimed Sheargold was asked to leave a corporate area at the AFL grand final at half-time. There have been multiple reports in other media of eyewitness accounts and complaints of comments and language that offended those sitting near the radio host.
Triple M’s parent company Southern Cross Austereo has disputed the reports. It said Sheargold “left the AFL grand final at half-time of his own accord”.
In a statement to News Corp on Thursday, Triple M confirmed it would support the radio host.
“We will continue to support Marty’s request for personal leave to spend time with his family and we look forward to having him back on air soon,” an SCA spokesperson said.
Sheargold is also a regular guest on TV programs such as Have You Been Paying Attention?, The Front Bar and Thank God You’re Here!.
He has not given a date for his return to Triple M.
