Miss Universe Australia Maria Thattil defends political correctness

Model and I’m a Celebrity star Maria Thattil has defended political correctness during a segment on Nine’s Talking Honey.

The former Miss Universe Australia, 29, sparred with 2GB radio host Ben Fordham on the subject, arguing political correctness is ‘important’ because it helps marginalised groups feel more included in society.

Thattil, who is bisexual and of South Asian descent, said: ‘We’re talking about languages and practices that make people feel seen, feel included, and if you can make those changes to accommodate people I think you should.’

She also said people who don’t want to change their language to adhere to politically correct standards have a ‘real privilege’ because they’re not likely to ever be offended like marginalised groups are.

Thattil has been outspoken about promoting diversity in the media, and recently landed an endorsement deal with Olay to sell skincare to queer people after coming out as bisexual.

Conservative commentator Fordham, 45, had a slightly different take on the situation, saying: ‘I don’t want to walk around on eggshells.’

Inclusive: ‘We’re talking about languages and practices that make people feel seen, feel included, and if you can make those changes to accommodate people I think you should,’ said Thattil, who is bisexual and of South Asian descent

‘I want to be safe in the knowledge that I treat people well, I respect people and I don’t really want people second guessing whether I’m “evil” in some way just because I don’t spend too much time thinking about political correctness,’ he added.

‘Most people are very decent people and they go looking out for people, and if they see racism or if they experience sexism, they speak up and do something about it.’

He then used Jamie Oliver as an example of PC culture going too far, after the celebrity chef was forced to hire ‘offence advisers’ to ensure his cookbooks weren’t guilty of ‘cultural appropriation’.

‘I don’t want to walk around on eggshells’: Conservative commentator Fordham had a slightly different take on the situation, saying it’s possible to be respectful without policing language

Oliver, 46, said his ‘Empire roast chicken’ recipe from 2012 would probably not be acceptable today despite it being a ‘bloody good recipe’.

Talking about receiving accusations of cultural appropriation, he told the Sunday Times Culture magazine: ‘Your immediate reaction is to be defensive and say, “For the love of God, really?” And then you go, “Well, we don’t want to offend anyone.”‘

As a result, Oliver said he had employed ‘teams of cultural appropriation specialists’ to avoid accusations of insensitivity.

Silenced: Fordham used Jamie Oliver (pictured) as an example of PC culture going too far, after the celebrity chef was forced to hire ‘offence advisers’ to ensure his cookbooks weren’t guilty of ‘cultural appropriation’