Hugh Nailon, director of 9News Melbourne, has apologised to Victorian MP Georgie Purcell for airing a graphic error featuring the politician in Monday night’s news bulletin.
The image that aired on 9News Melbourne showed Purcell, who is the member of the Legislative Council for Northern Victoria, dressed in a white crop top with a matching skirt.
However, the original image, shared by Purcell on X, shows her wearing a white dress and her chest enhanced.
In a statement on 9News.com.au, Nailon apologised for Purcell for the error made and blamed “automation by Photoshop” for the gaffe.
He said: “I would like to sincerely apologise to Georgie Purcell for a graphic error that occurred in last night’s bulletin.
9News’ edit of Georgie Purcell
Original image of Georgie Purcell
“Our graphics department sourced an online image of Georgie to use in our story on duck hunting. As is common practice, the image was resized to fit our specs.
“During that process, the automation by Photoshop created an image that was not consistent with the original. This did not meet the high editorial standards we have, and for that, we apologise to Ms Purcell unreservedly.”
In addition to sharing a side-by-side of the original photo and the version edited by 9News on X, Purcell also aired her grievances on the matter.
She said: “I endured a lot yesterday. But having my body and outfit photoshopped by a media outlet was not on my bingo card.
“Note the enlarged boobs and outfit to be made more revealing. Can’t imagine this happening to a male MP. What gives?”
Purcell added in her post to 9News: “Hot tip 9 I’ve got my whole stomach tattooed.”
In response, Adobe addressed the use of its generative AI features requires “human intervention”.
“Any changes to this image would have required human intervention and approval,” the spokesperson said.