Samoan international Josh Aloiai of West Tigers came to Erin Molan’s defense after suffering violent backlash from the NRL’s Pasifika community for culturally insensitive comments.
Continue after a conversation 2 GB About the pronunciation of the names of NRL players, the host of Channel 9 said “hooka looka mooka hooka fooka”.
At the time of the report, Molan claimed that it was an inside joke between her and co-host Daryl Brohman that led to another widespread conviction.
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The male prop, Martin Taupau, said Molan’s comments had made his grandfather “throw anger into his grave.”
His Sea Eagles teammate Addin Fonua-Blake hit the comment while John Hopoate Molan was in an Instagram post where he caused violence against her.
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Now Aloiai has defended Molan.
“I’m not afraid of Marty or Addin or any of the Pacific Island players who attacked Erin backlash,” he said Sydney Morning Herald. “They need to do their research and not be prepared for bad and irresponsible reports from the Daily Mail before attacking anyone.
“ I will be very frank: I am angry and disappointed with what has been said about Erin in the Pacific Island community, and she owes an apology from everyone who attacked her. It is disgusting and terrible what happened to Erin. “
Aloiai described the coverage of the comments as “horribly uninformed,” and said he wanted to speak out in defense of Molan.
“I’m not brave,” he added. “I follow my beliefs. I stand with Erin. She shouldn’t be afraid to leave home because of threats. She shouldn’t have to hide with her daughter at home. You shouldn’t have to look over your shoulder. It does so much for the Pacific Island Community, for its players. Things for which she is not looking for a loan or commitment. Racism and Erin should not be discussed [in the same sentence].
“Are people going to say I am a racist because I defend them against horrible reports and horribly uninformed comments? I played for Samoa. I am half Samoan and half European. I want to play for New Zealand this year.
” Do I know what racism looks like? Well, I know it doesn’t look like Erin Molan. When I told her I wanted to do an interview, she didn’t want me to speak out because she was worried about me. That is the kind of person she is.
” I want my opinion and voice to be heard. I think we are very lucky to live together in Australia. I honestly think we are doing well in this country. I love it here and will probably live here all my life. And I wouldn’t feel comfortable if I didn’t speak out if an injustice was committed against a good person. She deserves support and she deserves an apology from anyone who has treated her horribly. “
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