Chris Gayle has described his controversial sideline interview with female reporter Mel McLaughlin as a “simple joke” with no offence or disrespect intended.
The West Indian cricket star has been widely slammed for chauvinist behaviour after attempting to flirt with McLaughlin live on air on Monday night during the Melbourne Renegades’ win over the Hobart Hurricanes in the Big Bash League.
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“There wasn’t anything meant to be disrespectful or offensive to Mel. If she felt that way, I’m really sorry for that,” Gayle told reporters on Tuesday in Melbourne.
“There wasn’t any harm meant in that particular way, to harm any particular person in any particular way like that.
“It was a simple joke – the game was going on.
“Things get out of proportion but these things happen.”
McLaughlin was left visibly disturbed during the interview after Gayle appeared to proposition her.
“Hopefully we can win this game and you and I can have a drink after,” Gayle told the reporter who seemed dumbfounded at the statement.
The laughing batsman said his dismissal allowed him to “come to this interview to see you”.
“That’s the reason why I’m here, just to see your eyes for the first time,” he said.
“Hopefully we can win this game and have a drink after. Don’t blush baby.”
Social media immediately lit up, labelling Gayle’s comments as sexist and an affront to women.
It sparked an apology three overs later from the broadcaster who said Gayle’s comments were not endorsed and that measures would be taken to avoid future such occurrences.
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