Chris Gayle threatens to sue Fairfax Media for defamation

Cricketer Chris Gayle has threatened to sue Fairfax Media over reports that the cricketer inappropriately exposed himself to a woman while he was in Sydney for Cricket World Cup in 2015. The West Indies player vehemently denied the allegations and said that his lawyer Mark O’Brian will immediately push the defamation proceedings against Fairfax Media.

“Cricketer Chris Gayle has strongly denied allegations first published by Fairfax Media that he indecently exposed himself to a woman during last year’s World Cup in Sydney,” the statement issued by Gayle on Thursday reads. “Despite such denial, Fairfax Media continues to publish the false and defamatory allegations which have received widespread republication in media throughout the world.”

A woman who was working with the team during the 2015 Cricket World Cup reportedly told Fairfax Media about the incident, which happened in the team dressing room.

The allegations published by Fairfax Media on Wednesday has damaged Gayle’s chances of returning to the Big Bash League (BBL). Anthony Everard, the BBL manager, confirmed to Fox Sports that Cricket Australia can prevent a team from signing Gayle in any future BBL tournament.

The Fairfax Media reports came amidst another controversy involving Gayle. The cricketer was facing criticisms at the time for making inappropriate remarks to a female television reporter, Mel McLaughlin. Melbourne Renegades decided to fine Gayle $10,000 for the remarks he made to the female television sports journalist.

“There wasn’t anything meant to be disrespectful or offensive to Mel,” Gayle said. “If she felt that way, I’m really sorry for that.”

Gayle’s public apology was accepted by McLaughlin, who said she wants to move on.

Stuart Coventry, the Renegades chief executive, said that the allegations brought by McLaughlin were opportunistic. Coventry’s comment was criticised by his employer Cricket Victoria, which declined to attach itself to it. Tony Donemaide, the chief executive of Cricket Victoria, said that the club is committed to showing respect for girls and women.