One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has apologised for a cartoon her party produced mocking crossbencher Jacqui Lambie’s struggle with vaginal prolapse.
“The video went up without my actually seeing it and I was not aware of the content of the video,” Senator Hanson told News24 on Tuesday.
“I have spoken to the creator of that video.
“I’ve asked him to actually change it and I respect people’s views and opinions out there and it wasn’t as tastefully done as it could have been.
“I do apologise for that.”
Senator Hanson is credited as a producer on the cartoon, which remained posted on her social media accounts as of Tuesday afternoon.
She said she would take “a closer look” at future cartoons.
“It does bear my name, and I’ve got to take responsibility for that, and I accept that,” Senator Hanson said.
The apology marks a rare backflip from Senator Hanson, who a day earlier dismissed criticisms and told Senator Lambie to “get over it”.
“It is actually satirical and I think she’s taking it to heart, which she shouldn’t be,” Senator Hanson said.
“Have a good look at it. Have a bit of a laugh.”
Vaginal prolapse is a debilitating health issue that affects one-in-four women.
Senator Lambie was forced to take five months of leave to undergo surgery and spoke about it on the floor of the upper house when she returned in a bid to raise awareness.
The veteran said her case was linked to a back injury suffered during her military service.
Responding to the video on Monday, Senator Lambie said that “if you want to watch Pauline Hanson’s cartoons be my guest”.
“If you want more hatred, more spitefulness in your life, then please do so,” she told the ABC.
“But what I do know is this: Decent leaders don’t stir up hatred, pushing us towards bloody anarchy, because that’s exactly what she’s doing.
“And all you’re going to end up seeing is rioting on our streets.”
The apology came as parliamentarians face calls to watch their words following the attack on independent MP Helen Haines.