Gina Rinehart Threatens ABC Legal Action Over Sausage Roll Joke 2026

Gina Rinehart threatens ABC legal action over crude comments aired on the national broadcaster, including a joke about mixing her guts into a sausage roll. The controversy has escalated quickly, with Hancock Prospecting sending legal letters to ABC executives and demanding a public apology.

What Happened on Race Around the World?

The four-minute film, titled A Very Relaxing Video, aired on the Race Around the World program on 12 July. The film concluded with filmmaker Kate McGuinness making offensive remarks about Rinehart, including a graphic reference to making a sausage roll from her insides. The comments sparked widespread public condemnation and prompted Hancock Prospecting to act.

Hancock Prospecting's Legal Demands

On Friday, Hancock Prospecting released a statement detailing its first letter to the ABC board on 23 July. The company demanded that the ABC immediately remove the segment from all platforms, publicly apologise to Rinehart, and undertake a comprehensive investigation into how the content was approved and published.

According to the statement, one week elapsed without a substantive public response from the ABC's board or senior management. The company noted that the ABC had taken no steps to remove the material, despite the serious risks its continued publication poses to Rinehart.

Legal Letters Sent to ABC Executives

Hancock Prospecting has sent legal letters to ABC's chair, Kim Williams; deputy chair, Lisa Caffery; and managing director, Hugh Marks. The letters formally place them on notice over alleged contraventions of multiple Australian criminal and civil laws arising from the publication.

The ABC confirmed on Friday that it had received the legal letters, but no further details were provided. The situation remains fluid as both parties prepare for potential legal proceedings.

Comparison: ABC vs. Hancock Prospecting Responses

Key Takeaways

• Gina Rinehart's company has initiated legal action against the ABC over offensive comments.
• The ABC has received legal letters but has not yet responded substantively.
• Hancock Prospecting demands removal of the segment, an apology, and an investigation.
• The controversy highlights the tension between free speech and defamation in Australian media.

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