Channel 9 responds after Brad Fittler savaged over 'gross' remark during Jessica and Noemie Fox interview

Channel 9 have issued a statement defending the actions of NRL legend Brad Fittler during a controversial interview with Jessica and Noamie Fox on Friday night. The Fox sisters, who both won gold medals at the Paris Olympics, are massive Penrith Panthers fans and were invited to be the guests of honour during their side's clash with Souths at BlueBet Stadium.

But things turned weird during a pre-game interview with Fittler when the Channel 9 personality made some questionable remarks. As the interview began and Fittler was on screen with the Fox sisters, the former Panthers and Roosters player said: “Just waiting for the Kiss Cam to come on...On me."

Jessica Fox was visibly thrown by the comment and turned her back on Fittler, who said "it's not happening." Noemie laughed off the remark and then answered the next question from Fittler, but the sisters were clearly taken aback by the rogue comment.

Channel 9 responds amid storm over Brad Fittler interview remark

TV viewers were also left shocked by Fittler's actions, describing the comment as "disgusting" and "gross". But Channel 9 has since responded to the outrage, claiming Fittler's remarks weren't related to the Fox sisters.

“An activation was taking place in the stadium last night with a Kiss cam that was not part of the TV coverage and Brad’s comments related to that activity on the ground," a spokesperson for Nine said on Saturday. Brad’s comments were not directed to the Fox sisters, no malice was intended and no offence was taken.”

But one person wrote on social media: "That was absolutely disgusting comment by Brad Fittler when interviewing the Fox sisters. When he commented about the kiss cam, was pure misogyny and disrespectful to these wonderful women. SHAME SHAME SHAME. Be Better."

The Rugby League News account commented: "Gross remarks from Brad Fittler, you would think he’d know better." While another person wrote: "Brad Fittler is a married 52 year old making a joke about wanting to kiss 27/30 year olds on live TV. They were at the stadium to celebrate their three recent Olympic gold medals. They were clearly uncomfortable. It’s not up to anyone else to decide what offends them. He was wrong."

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Jessica and Noemie Fox are huge Penrith Panthers fans

Jessica Fox won gold in the canoe and kayak events in Paris - bringing her medal tally to six from four Olympic Games. Noemie then claimed a remarkable gold in the kayak cross to step out of her sister's incredible shadow.

Noemie had never qualified for the Olympics prior to Paris because she was always stuck behind her sister. But the introduction of the kayak cross event opened the door for the younger sister, and she didn't miss her opportunity.

The Fox sisters were also invited to Panthers training this week and were asked to speak in front of the playing group. “They’re proud Penrith girls and they were so good to give up their time to come along and speak to our boys and share their experiences – not just through the most recent Olympics but also before that,” Panthers coach Ivan Cleary said.

“They brought along their gold medals which was cool, and it was amazing what they offered. Our boys got a lot out of it. I can’t tell you everything, but it was a lot about preparation which in Olympic sports is (important).

“Adversity is always in and around what we do as professional sportspeople, and we’re definitely in that little phase at the moment. We’re probably not playing as well as we’d like with everything to play for. It was good to hear other like-minded people – hopefully we can be as good as the girls are – and just about the ups and downs of professional sport and how you deal with it.”