In response to significant backlash, the ABC has amended its legal defense in the unlawful termination suit filed by journalist Antoinette Lattouf, which was set to begin on February 11, 2025.

The corporation has withdrawn its controversial racial defense, which initially claimed that Lattouf did not legally prove that Lebanese, Middle Eastern, or Arab are recognized races.

This initial argument drew sharp criticism from various organizations, including the Arab Council of Australia and the Australian Lebanese Association, with the latter's president, Raymond Najar, labeling the ABC's stance as 'surreal and blatantly racist.'

Cultural organizations expressed their dismay at the ABC's initial legal stance, calling it disturbing and accusing the network of racism.

The backlash was so intense that 250 unionized workers demanded the withdrawal of the defense on February 7, 2025.

In light of the criticism, Ian Neil, representing the ABC, personally apologized for the error and acknowledged the complaints from affected parties.

Neil further clarified that the ABC now acknowledges the existence of Lebanese, Arab, and Middle Eastern races and confirmed that Lattouf belongs to one or more of these groups.

Despite this acknowledgment, the ABC maintains that it denies any wrongdoing based on Lattouf's political opinions, race, or national extraction.

The ABC insists that Lattouf's race or political opinion were not factors in the decision to remove her from her role as a fill-in presenter in December 2023.

Additionally, the ABC issued an apology for mistakenly publishing unredacted complaints related to the case, which were under a suppression order, leading to a reprimand from Justice Darryl Rangiah.

Deena Amorelli, ABC's chief people officer, expressed regret over the distress caused by the legal argument regarding race in an email to staff.

The court is scheduled to hear additional evidence from ABC officials in the ongoing lawsuit.