- Martin Taupau was racially abused at a suburban park
- NRL star was out with his family walking the dog
Footy star Marty Taupau has revealed details of a confrontation that saw him get racially abused in front of his children on Australia Day.
The shocking incident has seen the evergreen Broncos forward launch a crusade in a bid to tackle racial vilification.
It also follows Indigenous stars Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker confirming they have been targeted by racist ‘fans’ at South Sydney NRL games.
Speaking on The Little Fish Podcast, the a 255-game NRL veteran recalled being verbally attacked by a bigot when he was out with his family.
‘I still can’t believe it (racism) happens to this day,’ he said.
‘I remember a couple of years ago, ironically on Australia Day, we had just got our puppy and went down to the park with the kids.
‘We were having a nice stroll and there was this other dog that got a bit chirpy with our dog and I said [to the other dog owner] “Can you please get your dog away?”
‘We went back and forth and I said, “Look, relax, what the f**k is going on?” and she said, “Go back to where you came from.”
‘Why on all days, Australia Day, would you say that? I will never forget that and that really hurt.
‘There were so many things I wanted to do, but what’s the point of reacting when you have your kids and family there? It’s not setting a good example.’
Taupau – who has Samoan heritage – added he is ‘pretty thick skinned’ and not immune to criticism after a long footy career – but he was still rocked by the unacceptable slur from a stranger.
Following the attack, Taupau and his wife Michelle created speakers’ bureau and talent management agency DSRUPTRS, with the aim of educating people about the profound impact of racism.
Taupau, 34, also stated he wants to help victims of racial abuse.
‘For the people who get racial slurs thrown at them, the best thing is to surround yourself with good people,’ he said.
‘It will help get that hate off your shoulder and you can express it to your safe group.
‘I internalise a lot of that, but my wife is the safe person for me. You get comments of support to ease the pain and that can empower the next generation.’
