SYDNEY—It became clear this week in the streets of Sydney that a prominent figure was in the city—with prolonged traffic jams. Increased Police Presence And sirens echo through the city announcing the arrival of former US presidents Barack Obama and Michelle. his wife as They started a speaking tour.
But the increasing delays are only the beginning of a journey full of headlines that seem to upset the Obamas throughout their stay. They were accused of insulting prominent Indigenous women. It angered the country’s Wurundjeri Indigenous community for a “lack of understanding and respect” as paparazzi caught the couple not using their safety gear while touring the famous Sydney Harbor Bridge.
before he arrives Obama’s tour of Australia is evident. It was reportedly paid $1 million a day for a series of talks with Australia’s former foreign minister, Julie Bishop, which raised eyebrows among conservative critics. Tickets for the event were sold for up to $900.
It was his first visit to the country since 2014, when the then-president visited Queensland for the G20 summit.
even though there are fans Many follow former presidents. But he skipped most of his public meetings. Confessing: “If you’re wondering why I don’t walk in Sydney. it’s not safe risk taking 100 selfies in one “time.” However, Australians can buy The “Platinum Package” for the “President Obama Party” includes a “welcome cocktail for a one-hour refreshment event.” souvenir lanyard and a signed copy of Obama’s book,” according to NewsWire.
then on wednesday Experts were quick to criticize both Barack and Michelle. After they were secretly photographed by paparazzi climbing the Sydney Harbor Bridge without a harness. This is the normal safety precaution for climbing this section. “Allowed” to climb the Sydney icon without a jumpsuit and safety gear. which is a requirement of the general public
Transport NSW stated that this climb “It is in accordance with the standard safety measures intended for visiting important people. Those dignitaries include Prince Harry, who didn’t wear a jumpsuit but wore safety gear during his own 2018 hike when Oprah visited. In 2010, she went for the whole set.
Obama’s involvement in the speech sparked racial tensions Thursday after revelations that the former president’s speech tour organizer had dumped a native patriarch out of work on Wednesday evening. with reports that she was “too hard”
Organizers have apologized to Wurundjeri senior Aunt Joy Murphy after canceling her appearance at Obama’s Melbourne event, asking her to perform “Welcome to Country” at Thursday’s business luncheon with Former president of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation confirmed to The Daily Beast Aunt Joy, an Aboriginal Wurundjeri elder, had previously welcomed Queen Nelson Mandela and the Dalai Lama, but was replaced by a Wurundjeri woman and Melbourne artist Mandy Nicholson
Aunt Joy pointed to the organizer and reiterated that “I don’t want this to reflect on President Obama.”
In a statement obtained by The Daily Beast, Joy said: “I am 78 years old. I have never been treated or spoken to like this before. I don’t want this to reflect on President Obama. I am the leader of the Wurundjeri Nation, I ask to be treated equally.”
But she changed her tune a bit after getting the offer back.
“Although I am saddened to think that I had to go through the events of yesterday. But I am delighted that Aboriginal culture has been properly embraced,” Joy said in a follow-up statement. “It is my great pleasure to welcome the first black American president to the country of Wurundjeri on behalf of my community and ancestors.”
While having lunch on Thursday It was unclear whether Obama had reached out to Aunt Joy to apologize. Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation did not respond to a request for comment when asked by The Daily Beast.
But for all plays Obama’s grace is… Himself, by The Daily Beast, understood through sources where Joy and Obama could meet. And the drama quickly ended.
Obama also won the hearts of Aussies back during a speech on topics including women’s power and the tragedy of gun control.
speaking in Melbourne on Wednesday evening. He admits to his biggest regret and lowest point in his presidency. is the failure to overhaul the powerful gun and gun laws in America.
“My greatest regret and disappointment in my presidency is that I have not been able to overcome the influence of arms manufacturers. paranoia and the paranoia of some gun owners. I can’t break the United States’ adherence to guns and weird weapons that are unique among At least in an economically advanced country,” he said, just days after the Nashville school shooting. killed 6 people
“We routinely allow children to be killed. Poor kids, black kids, all Latin kids.”
Obama said that after Sandy Hook’s destruction, he realized that “These are six-year-olds in affluent white suburbs. And it doesn’t matter We cannot move the parliament. There is deep despair and a feeling that it might be useless here.”
Obama has supported Australia’s stubborn stance on gun control for years. Including a 2015 interview with comedian Mark Maron, in which he pointed to changes in the country’s laws following the mass shooting in Port Arthur in 1996 that left 35 dead and injured. 23 people
