Former Collingwood star and AFL Brownlow medalist Dane Swan has sparked international backlash for tweeting a photo of what he thought were men’s bumpers but were actually protective underwear.
Key points:
- Swan was harshly criticized for being transphobic and not caring about men’s health after tweeting that she thought they were male tampons.
- In 2019, Swan co-hosted a podcast that was taken down after being criticized for underestimating sexual assault.
- Swan was announced yesterday as the star member of Nangwarry, the country football club in South Australia.
The outspoken footballer, who was announced as the star member of country football club Nangwarry’s opening round match yesterday, tweeted a picture of supermarket shelves filled with men’s incontinence underwear, claiming they had men’s tampons.
«It’s been a day folks because [sic] Today is the day I learned that men can get tampons,» tweeted Swan.
«Now I’ve officially seen them all.»
Swan then tagged podcast co-host Ralph Horowitz for bookmarking the tweet for more discussion about the Hump Day shows with Swanny and Friends.
Swan’s tweet sparked a wave of criticism from Twitter users both in Australia and overseas, with comedians, journalists and members of the LGBTQI+ community criticizing the 258 actors.
«This is bullshit, but for my money, not knowing what a tampon is is more embarrassing than not knowing what an incontinence pad is,» wrote Irish transvestite and gay rights activist Panti Bliss-Cabrera.
Scottish comedian Janey Godley wrote, «For those incontinence pads and record, men have always been able to buy tampons – my husband has been buying these for me for years but you continue with your transphobia my friend,» wrote Scottish comedian Janey Godley.
«One – men can get what they want. Two – these are not tampons,» wrote American writer and comedian Akilah Hughes.
Swan has also been called out by several men related to Australian sport, including those who criticized the 2010 premiership player for underestimating men’s health.
«You thought you were an advocate for men’s health?» Written by Brien Seeney, who runs the popular NRL Physio account.
«Making men suffering from pelvic floor and prostate issues not feel self-conscious about using these vital products as they are is a struggle before you post this crap.»
«It’s an amazing world we live in,» wrote Russell Bennett, editor of The Age sports desk.
«Men can’t just buy tampons, men with prostate cancer or – in my father’s case – advanced Parkinson’s and related dementia, can buy and wear protective underwear like this one.»
Swan, Horowitz and former AFL forward Scott Cummings in 2019 criticized for underestimating sexual assaultCummings said he was sorry for his controversial comments.
«To underestimate sexual harassment was insensitive and irresponsible, and I am deeply sorry for any attacks or reactions triggered by my actions,» Cummings said.
«I am aware of the responsibility of being a media person and the potential impact of my actions.»
The incident led to Cummings losing his job at 3AW radio station.
The podcast took a hiatus after the 2019 event, but returned six weeks later and has been airing continuously ever since.
Swan’s only response to the recent controversy was the tweet, «Don’t be so sure, Ralph, it’s my New Year’s resolution» after Horowitz suggested that the podcast was ‘herd immunity’ from being cancelled.
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