Channel 9 under fire over Shane Warne 'disgrace': 'Should be ashamed'
Channel 9 have been blasted by Shane Warne's manager over a controversial biopic about the late Aussie cricket legend's life.
The network is said to have started pre-production on a mini-series about Warne's life, but reportedly didn't approach his family for their blessing.
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According to the Herald Sun, Warne's family are unhappy about the upcoming series, which is set to go to air in 2023.
Warne's long-time manager James Erskine has lashed out at Channel 9, calling for an explanation.
“He’s only been dead for a couple of months and for them to turn this around and think about doing some sensational thing, well they should be ashamed of themselves," Erskine told the Herald Sun.
“I will be writing to Peter Costello because he is their chairman and saying, please explain.
“Why would Nine even go there? It’s a disgrace and I will certainly be making my voice heard.”
Warne died in March at age 52 after suffering a suspected heart attack on the Thai island of Koh Samui.
He was later farewelled at a state memorial service at the MCG, where the Southern Stand was renamed in his honour.
Shane Warne honoured for Queen's Birthday
On Sunday night, Warne was revealed as one the 992 people on this year's Queen's Birthday Honours list.
Warne will be posthumously appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) some three months after his death.
He is being honoured for distinguished service to cricket having taken 708 wickets in his storied Test career, along with his service to the community through charitable initiatives.
Retired tennis star Ash Barty has also been appointed an AO after wrapping up her career as a three-time grand slam singles champion, having claimed this year's Australian Open crown.
But it's not just the major sports receiving accolades, with Jason Belmonte and Brian Jones receiving AOs for services to tenpin bowling and chess respectively.
Former chief medical officer Brendan Murphy is also being honoured for his work as Australia's CMO from 2016 until 2020.
He was one of Australia's public faces of the initial pandemic response and has since become the health department's secretary.
Others heavily involved in the pandemic response, including Queensland governor and former long-serving chief health officer Jeannette Young, have also been awarded high honours.
Ms Young, appointed a Companion (AC) of the Order, was Queensland's top health official from 2005 until late 2021.
NSW chief health officer Kerry Chant has also been appointed an AO.
Women make up 46 per cent of the list, the second-highest percentage since the honours system was implemented in 1975.
The youngest recipient is 23 years old, while the oldest is 101.
"Recipients share some common traits - including selflessness, excellence and a commitment to service," Governor-General David Hurley said.
"They're from different backgrounds, their stories are each unique, and each has served in different ways ... this diversity is a strength and each has impacted their community and made it better.
"Collectively the recipients, whose achievements span community service, science and research, industry, sport, the arts and more, represent the very best of Australia."
with AAP
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