From Global Voices

West Indian cricketer Chris Gayle has landed himself in a firestorm of criticism after he hit on Australian sports reporter Melanie McLaughlin during a live television interview. McLaughlin was keen to talk to Gayle about his batting performance — he had just made 41 runs off a mere 15 balls during his innings for the T20 (limited overs) cricket team, Melbourne Renegades, in their Big Bash League match against Hobart Hurricanes — but in response to her question about how he approached the innings, Gayle replied:

I mean…I wanted to come and have an interview with you as well…that’s the reason why I’m here, so…just to see your eyes for the first time…it’s nice, so hopefully we’ll win this game and we can have a drink after…don’t blush, baby!

McLaughlin was adamant that she was not blushing — in fact, she looked quite uncomfortable during Gayle’s advances — and quickly changed the subject to whether the cricketer had experienced any injuries.

Online disapproval of Gayle’s behaviour — and support for McLaughlin — was swift and prounounced, particularly on Twitter:

One Twitter user lamented that women often have to deal with these kinds of remarks at work, no matter what profession they choose:

Gayle has since apologised for his comments. Nevertheless, he will be fined by his team for his “inappropriate” remarks.

IMAGE: Jamaica-born West Indies cricketer Chris Gayle. Photo by NAPARAZZI. CC 2.0.

For more on this story and video go to: https://globalvoices.org/2016/01/05/was-caribbean-cricketer-chris-gayles-come-on-sexist-or-silly/

See related iNews Cayman story published January 5 2015 “Chris Gayle fined in Big Bash League reporter ‘sexism’ row” at: http://www.ieyenews.com/wordpress/chris-gayle-fined-in-big-bash-league-reporter-sexism-row/