Chris Gayle to sue Fairfax Media over indecent exposure allegations

Chris Gayle has sought the services of a leading Australian lawyer to start defamation proceedings against media group Fairfax Media over allegations that the West Indian cricketer indecently exposed himself to a woman in Sydney during the World Cup last year.

Under-fire West Indies cricketer Chris Gayle has sought the services of a leading Australian lawyer to start defamation proceedings against media group Fairfax Media over allegations that the West Indian cricketer indecently exposed himself to a woman in Sydney during the World Cup last year.

Chris Gayle’s ‘inappropriate’ interview with Mel McLaughlin triggered a slew of allegations against the West Indian, leading to the controversy he currently finds himself in. (Photo: YouTube screen grab)

The allegations came to the fore following Gayle’s widely-criticised live interview with Channel 10 female presenter Mel McLaughlin while playing for Melbourne Renegades in the Big Bash League.

The Renegades slapped a fine of AUS$10,000 for making controversial remarks to McLaughlin, who found herself being asked out for a drink after Gayle blasted 41 runs off 15 balls on Monday.

Read | ‘Don’t blush’: Gayle criticised for on-air comments to TV presenter

Gayle said he was happy to be interviewed “just to see your eyes for the first time”, before adding, “Don’t blush, baby”.

“Chris Gayle has strongly denied allegations first published by Fairfax Media that he indecently exposed himself to a woman during last year’s World Cup in Sydney,” Gayle’s manager Simon Auteri said in a statement.

“Despite such denials Fairfax Media continues to publish the false and defamatory allegations which have received widespread re-publication in media throughout the world.

“As a result Chris Gayle has retained Mark O’Brien, a leading Australian media lawyer to immediately commence defamation proceedings against Fairfax Media.”

The storm surrounding the star Jamaican cricketer intensified on Wednesday as new allegations about his behaviour towards women emerged, with more female journalists airing complaints against the swashbuckling batsman. Later on Wednesday, reports emerged that Gayle is set to be banned from playing in future editions of the Big Bash League.

Read | Chris Gayle set to be banned from future BBL tournaments over ‘inappropriate’ interview

Gayle apologised and tried to brush off the exchange with McLaughlin as a harmless joke, but Fox Sports reporter Neroli Meadows branded the Jamaican a “creep”.