On Tuesday, we learned that Richard Wilkins’ son Christian Wilkins had been verbally abused by a man at the Melbourne Cup.
In response, he decided to share a photo of the man responsible.
Now the 23-year-old is explaining his decision to name and shame his attacker.
The son of the TODAY host had been called vile names on Tuesday at The Birdcage.
At the time, he posted an image of the man who he says was rude to him.
“Not one to usually call people out but…,” he wrote.
“This man called me a ‘fu***** f*g’ who should ‘go the f**k back home’ now three times.”
His decision to call the man out was applauded by most, but some have question his reasons for outing the man.
Talking to 9Honey Celebrity, he said, “To be honest, looking how I do, dressing how I do, I occasionally get people calling things out but was most shocked at the blatant and arrogant manner he was addressing me.”
“Thankfully due to my family and friends I’ve got a pretty good sense of self, and have learnt to brush stuff like that off.”
“But, the reason I wanted to call him out was to make sure people realised that it isn’t okay, it’s not something we should have to get over.”
“I’m not changing the world and nor do I think I am, but any small effort we can make is worth it.”
Wilkins publicly came out in Cosmopolitan, saying, “I’ve now taken it upon myself to become the best damn gay I can be!”
His father has been exceptionally supportive of his son’s sexuality.
After the same-sex bill came through, he said:
“My son Christian has been a passionate advocate for marriage equality.”
“To see the joy and relief on his face yesterday made me very happy and extremely proud of my beautiful boy.”
“It feels to me like we all grew up a little bit yesterday. I love you very much darling, very proud. Thank you.”