Melbourne radio presenter is slammed after he says he wants a shark to attack 'big lips' influencer Tammy Hembrow: 'Absolutely disgusting'

A Melbourne radio presenter has come under fire after saying he hoped a shark would 'bite' influencer Tammy Hembrow during an on-air discussion about Australia's recent spate of shark attacks.

Jeff Maynard, a presenter on Triple R 102.7FM's Radio Marinara, sparked outrage after singling out the Gold Coast fitness star while discussing shark attacks.

'The only thing is there's an influencer in there who runs around, who's all sort of big lips and blonde hair in a tiny bikini and you just think "oh please some shark just bite her. Oh please, you know, where's the chum?"' he said.

The remarks were later shared to Instagram by Australian journalist and activist Sherele Moody.

'RRR Radio Marinara co-host Jeff Maynard would like sharks to attack Tammy Hembrow because he doesn't like her being on the Nine Network show Shark!' the page wrote.

The post quickly attracted thousands of reactions, with many social media users expressing disbelief at the comments and calling them 'vile' and 'unacceptable'.

One person wrote: 'Wishing someone harm because they're… not your cup of tea?'

They continued: 'And why do you have an issue with her hair colour, lips, and choice of swimsuit? It felt like describing her appearance was meant to be an insult.'

Another added: 'It was only a matter of time until they attacked Tammy. The fact another woman encouraged such poor behaviour by laughing is gross. Possibly even worse than the people talking this way themselves. Either way… they all need to do better.'

Others questioned why Hembrow's appearance was relevant to the discussion.

'Do you think it's because he knows there's not a world that exists where she'd ever look his way and that hurts his ancient ego?' one person wrote.

Another said: 'Time for Jeff to go… not acceptable!'

One commenter added: 'Jeff Maynard is a former advertising creative director, who still consults on marketing and brand awareness. Not sure how aware Jeff is of how outdated he sounds.'

Australian Femicide Watch also defended its decision to call out the remarks in a follow-up post.

'Let's get this straight. Men suggesting women should be killed is not on, regardless of what you think of her,' the organisation wrote. 

'So yes, I will block anyone suggesting this behaviour is acceptable because you don't agree with her or that I shouldn't be calling men who do this out.'

The controversy comes as the Channel Nine reality series, which sees celebrities come face to face with great whites, went ahead as planned, with the network defending its decision not to change the schedule. 

The series was not screened in Perth following the death of Steven Mattaboni, who was killed by a shark on May 16, but a similar concession was not made for Sydney after Leah Stewart, 34, was attacked in Coogee. 

'The series focuses on education and turning fear into respect,' a Channel Nine spokesperson told Daily Mail. 

'Guided by former Australian Navy clearance diver and shark attack survivor Paul de Gelder alongside shark researcher Annie Guttridge, the show follows six Australian celebrities as they confront their deepest fears,' they continued. 

'By providing them with first-hand experience and insight, the show aims to educate viewers and demonstrate how awareness of a shark's natural behaviours helps us remain informed.'

The decision comes despite outrage from viewers, who aired their grievances on social media. 

'Disgusting that you even screened this show after the awful shark attack on a woman on Saturday at Coogee!' raged one person in the comments section on Nine's official Instagram page. 

'Pretty stupid making people do this sort of thing,' another person complained. 

Over on X, the comments were also scathing. 

'Channel Nine broadcasting Shark! just as a woman has been attacked and critically injured at Coogee Beach - guess I'll watch MasterChef,' posted one person. 

Another said: 'Shark! didn't go to air in Perth due to a fatal shark attack there, so it should be pulled from the Nine Sydney schedule as well.

'That Shark! hasn't rated too well should make that decision considerably easier!'

Shark! has faced scrutiny since its premiere, with some viewers sharing concerns that the series is 'distasteful' in light of recent shark deaths. 

'Does anyone else find this a bit inappropriate due to the recent record number of attacks?' wrote one viewer on Facebook. 

'I can't see the point of the show at all, and all I can think of is the victims' families. Very distasteful and disrespectful, Channel Nine, just saying.'

Another person commented: 'Yes, as soon as I saw it, I thought it was disgraceful.' 

'Maybe not the best time to glamourise sharks for entertainment when a Perth family is grieving,' said one person, referring to the recent fatal shark attack off Rottnest Island.

'This show should be cancelled in respect for the many people recently who have lost their lives,' said another.