Grace Tame Says Speaking Career Collapsed After Pro-Palestine Rally Controversy
Former Australian of the Year Grace Tame has declared her livelihood has been "completely destroyed" in the month since she shouted "globalise the intifada" at a pro-Palestine rally in Sydney. The 31-year-old activist and childhood sexual abuse survivor revealed she has no speaking engagements remaining for the rest of the year, with her lucrative corporate speaking career evaporating amid what she describes as a concerted smear campaign.
First-Person Account Details Alleged Smear Campaign
In a first-person piece published on the Crikey website, Tame claimed to have been targeted by conservative politicians and media in what she called a "well-oiled, well-funded political propaganda machine." She wrote: "I've lost several close friends for speaking the truth. I've been publicly vilified over and over and over again. In under a month, my livelihood has been completely destroyed."
Tame led chants of "globalise the intifada" outside Sydney's Town Hall in February during a rally protesting Israeli President Isaac Herzog's state visit. She insisted she does not support violence or condone antisemitism, Islamophobia, or hatred of any kind, stating: "I am a human rights activist who advocates for the safety of all children, no matter their background."
Speaking Engagements Evaporate Amid Controversy
During a speech at the No to Violence conference in Hobart, Tame admitted: "This is my last presentation of the year and it's only March." She said she had lost three speaking engagements on child safety themes due to what she called an ongoing media smear campaign. The Daily Mail understands Tame previously charged approximately $20,000 per corporate speaking event as of 2023.
Tame's performance at the Herzog rally came two months after the December terrorist attack on a Hannukah celebration at Bondi Beach that left 15 people dead. Following her comments, she faced widespread condemnation from the Jewish community and calls to be stripped of her 2021 Australian of the Year honour.
Media Backlash and Social Media Response
After her comments were reported by the ABC, Tame took to Instagram to criticize the national broadcaster, accusing it of pandering to the "pro-Israel lobby" and peddling "right-wing propaganda." She defended the "globalise the intifada" chant, writing: "Both intifadas began as peaceful protests, boycotts and labour strikes in response to Israel's ongoing violent oppression. Omitting this context erases history and Palestinians themselves."
More than 25,000 Australians signed a petition calling for authorities to charge Tame with alleged criminal incitement to violence under existing Australian law. The petition stated: "In 2021, Grace Tame was named Australian of the Year, an honour reserved for individuals who reflect the values, unity and integrity of our nation. That title carries moral weight."
Broader Consequences and Corporate Fallout
Tame's appearance at an International Women's Day event in Bendigo, Victoria, also drew criticism from the Australian Jewish Association, though organizers refused to remove her from the program. Last year, global sports brand Nike officially cut ties with Tame after she shared several posts in solidarity with Palestinians during the conflict with Israel.
A Nike spokesman said at the time: "Grace and Nike have mutually agreed to part ways. We wish Grace the best as she continues her running journey." Tame, an ultra-marathon runner, had been appointed as a brand ambassador by Nike at the start of 2025, sharing an enthusiastic message about the partnership that has since been terminated.
The activist continues to maintain her position as a human rights advocate while grappling with the professional and personal consequences of her political activism and public statements regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
