Comedian Nick Trapani has apologised for misogynistic remarks about murdered US woman Gabby Petito made during an episode of his podcast, saying the comments were “wrong” and “offensive”.
Trapani hosted the discussion with three other comedians on his Trapanischoice podcast. The group joked about Petito’s killing and made sexualised comments about her, while one participant described the murder as “fair enough, justified”.
The conversation also included a play on the word “influencer”, with one man asking whether Petito had been “an influenza” and another replying: “She was a virus, yes.” The episode has since been removed from the podcast’s YouTube channel.
Petito, 22, was killed by her boyfriend, Brian Laundrie, while the pair were travelling through the United States on July 2, 2021. Her remains were found in Wyoming later that year, while Laundrie subsequently died by suicide.
The remarks prompted widespread backlash and came as women’s rights advocates continue to highlight violence against women and the way victims of domestic and sexual violence are discussed in public.
In a statement, Trapani said the comments had been made by other people on the episode but accepted responsibility because it was his show and he had “laughed along”.
“Words matter. What was said was wrong. It was offensive,” he said.
Trapani added: “I take full responsibility, and unreservedly apologise. I’ve since deleted the episode.
“Violence against women should never be turned into a joke. I am deeply sorry to Gabby’s family and friends, and apologise to everyone who has lived through or has a loved one who is or has been subjected to violence.
“I stand firmly against violence against women.”
He said he would reflect on the role of podcast hosts and guests, as well as the responsibility of the wider community, to ensure that words did not cause harm.
Trapani had been due to work as a commentator for SouthCoast Monster Trucks at the Melbourne Country Show at Caribbean Park. The organisation ended its association with him on Tuesday after reviewing the podcast episode.
SouthCoast Monster Trucks said the content did not reflect its values or the standards expected of anyone associated with its team. It said it was committed to providing a “safe, enjoyable and family-friendly environment” and apologised to those who had been hurt, upset or disappointed.
