Conservative American political commentator Matt Walsh has faced fierce criticism after denouncing Australia's National Sorry Day, an annual event commemorating the Stolen Generations.
What is National Sorry Day?
National Sorry Day has been observed in Australia on May 26 since 1998. It honors the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children who were forcibly removed from their families under government assimilation policies. These practices, which occurred between 1910 and 1970, saw up to one in three Indigenous children taken from their homes, aiming to erase Indigenous culture.
Walsh's Controversial Remarks
The controversy began when Walsh responded to a post on X by an Australian woman named Lauren. She wrote on Friday that she gave her son the day off from school because his institution was celebrating National Sorry Day, stating, 'because we have nothing to be sorry for and I am sick to death of my white sons being guilt tripped.'
Walsh, visibly stunned, replied: 'This popped up in my feed for some reason. I had to look it up and yes, it turns out that Australia literally has a 'Sorry Day' where all the white Australians apologise to the 'indigenous' people. How did Australia become such a weak, pathetic country? When did this happen?'
He further remarked: 'I used to think Australians were a bunch of tough old bastards living down there with crocodiles and spiders the size of dinner plates. Turns out they're just warm weather Canadians.'
Reactions from Americans and Australians
American followers of the right-wing commentator were also taken aback. One posted: 'Imagine what having a 'Sorry Day' must do to the psyche of children, and God help us for how it materialises in their adult lives.' However, many Australians strongly defended the day.
One Australian fired back at Walsh: 'You're a flog, mate. The Labor government apologised for past policy that supported institutional child stealing with generational impact still unrolling.' Another wrote: 'Dear Matt, it's a beautiful gesture and the white kids learn they are in debt to the Indigenous. How anyone can think this is wrong is beyond me.' A third added: 'I have agreed with many things you have posted…but this, no. I am a proud conservative, Christian, Australian and will say 'sorry' every year, if needed. My ancestors did horrible things. I am not responsible, but I can say 'sorry' and show respect!'
Prime Minister's Statement
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese released a statement for National Sorry Day on Tuesday, describing survivors of the Stolen Generations as courageous. 'We reflect on the pain and suffering borne by the members of the Stolen Generations. We think of everything it took for you to tell the truth and relive your hurt. And we remain awed by the courage with which you entered Parliament House to hear Prime Minister Kevin Rudd deliver the long-awaited Apology,' Albanese wrote. 'As we more fully acknowledge our history, we begin to unburden ourselves of its unspoken weight. We learn from our wrongs and we do not rest in our search for ways of healing.'
Historical Context
On February 13, 2008, former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd issued a formal national apology to the Stolen Generations in the Australian Parliament. 'I am sorry. And I offer you this apology without qualification,' Rudd said. Assimilation policies between 1910 and 1970 saw as many as one in ten to one in three Indigenous children removed from their homes, sanctioned by law to 'breed out' or erase Indigenous culture and integrate children into white society.
