The Project co-host Lisa Wilkinson has defended an interview with 'Egg Boy' Will Connolly on the show after fans criticised his appearance.
Connolly, 17, egged right-wing Senator Fraser Anning in Melbourne in response to the politician's comments on Muslim immigration in the wake of the Christchurch mosque shootings.
In his first public appearance on The Project on Monday night, Connolly said although his actions were 'not the right thing to do' he had 'united people' and raised money for those affected by the massacre.
Unhappy viewers took to social media to voice their disapproval of Connolly, and Wilkinson jumped into the comments section herself to hit back at them.
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The Project co-host Lisa Wilkinson (pictured) has defended an interview with 'Egg Boy' Will Connolly on the show after fans criticised his appearance
Connolly (pictured), 17, egged right-wing Senator Fraser Anning in Melbourne in response to the politician's comments on Muslim immigration in the wake of the Christchurch mosque shootings
In his first public appearance on The Project on Monday night, Connolly said although his actions were 'not the right thing to do' he had 'united people'
Wilkinson took to the comments section herself to defend the programme, saying they had not made 'Egg Boy' a 'hero'
'[Lisa Wilkinson] so you think it's okay to smash eggs on someone in public view? If he did it to you because [he] disagreed with your views would you still make him a hero for his behaviour?' one person commented underneath a post by The Project on Instagram.
'What does this teach our young about respectful behaviour? I don't care what was said by Anning we should not be promoting this kind of behaviour.'
Wilkinson took to the comments section herself to defend the programme, saying they had not made 'Egg Boy' a 'hero'.
'We are news program. He has been a huge news story. He has been hounded for interviews by just about every TV, online and radio show in the world,' Wilkinson said.
'As well as every major publication you could imagine. He approached us because he felt we would be fair and balanced in presenting his story. And I believe we were. That's it. Cheers, Lisa.'
Another unhappy watcher said 'Egg Boy' did not deserve attention.
'Fraser Anning is an idiot no doubt about that - but it is not OK to hit someone you disagree with with an egg or anything else - imagine the furore if this was done to a female politician or the Prime Minister or anyone that you disagreed with!' they said.
Wilkinson again defended her show.
Another unhappy watcher said 'Egg Boy' did not deserve attention
The 17-year-old shot to internet fame after he was captured on video smashing an egg on Queensland Senator Fraser Anning's head in Melbourne on March 16
Connolly, 17, (pictured) was tackled to the ground after cracking an egg on Senator Anning in a press conference in Melbourne
'Can I suggest you watch the interview before you rush to judgement Jenny. You might be surprised by just how contrite this young man is. Cheers, Lisa,' she said.
During the
