Community leaders condemn ABC decision to platform Hasan Piker

Jewish community leaders have condemned the ABC’s decision to interview American streamer Hasan Piker, whose record of antisemitic rhetoric and support for terrorist organisations has been documented at length by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL).

Piker is scheduled to appear on the public broadcaster’s US politics program Planet America on Monday night, in an episode marking the show’s return after a break of several months. Presenter John Barron announced the booking on X on Friday, describing Piker as an influential and controversial commentator who would discuss the rise of Democratic socialists and the populist left.

AIJAC executive director Colin Rubenstein said the decision was deeply troubling but not surprising. “Piker has a long and documented record of deeply divisive rhetoric, including inflammatory and antisemitic comments denigrating Jews, as well as rhetoric deeply sympathetic to Hamas, and to Hezbollah,” Rubenstein said.

“He has also been dismissive of the October 7 atrocities, including denial of the mass rape and sexual violence perpetrated against Israeli women.

“This decision to platform Mr Piker only reinforces longstanding concerns about systematic bias in the ABC’s coverage of Israel and Jews — concerns the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion has been examining closely. For instance, it is difficult to imagine the ABC would give a platform to a similarly extreme and divisive podcaster from the far-right.