By Hamish Heard
A PUBLIC relations firm hired by the State Government has been asked to explain why it paraded a scantily-clad television personality in front of Williamstown Primary School students for a publicity stunt.
Angel, from Channel Seven’s Gladiators program, raised a few eyebrows when she stripped down to a revealing crop top and tiny hotpants at the school to promote Walk Safely to School Day two weeks ago.
The ultra-fit gladiator mingled with students and joined with them in a range of exercises as television news crews, staff and parents watched.
The school’s principal Tilly Barger said Angel’s revealing costume was “inappropriate”. Ms Barger said the school had complained to the event’s organisers, Socom Communications, about the outfit.
“We have spoken to the PR company to let them know that we didn’t feel it was appropriate that Angel was sent to the school dressed in that way,” Ms Barger said.
“While she is an elite athlete and we can understand why they might think she would be a good ambassador for walk to school day, she probably wasn’t appropriately dressed for a primary school.”
Ms Barger said she suggested to Socom that Angel should wear a tracksuit next time she is sent to perform in front of youngsters.
“They (Socom) took it on board so we were happy to leave it at that,” she said.
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One parent, who asked not to be named, was also critical of Angel’s garb after being shown a photograph of Angel playing with students at the school.
“It looks like she’s just wearing a bra,” she said.
“It’s probably a bit racy, wearing that in front of kids at school.”
Socom’s Phil Smith said the organisation had apologised to the school for the incident.
“It was an agreement between the Pedestrian Council and Channel Seven that we would have one gladiator in each state promoting healthy lifestyles and healthy living,” Mr Smith said.
“We believe the gladiators embody a healthy living message and in that respect we felt it was appropriate but we take on board what the principal has said and we apologise for any offence that has occurred.”
Angel was joined at the primary school by Melbourne Vixens netball players, Socceroors team doctor Dr Peter Brukner and Australian Medical Association vice president Dr Harry Hemley.
