THERE’S no question Chris Gayle’s attempts to hit on Channel 10 journalist Mel McLaughlin during a live TV interview were grossly inappropriate, but would the reaction have been the same if roles were reversed?

In the fallout from the uncomfortable exchange, in which Gayle told McLaughlin “don’t blush baby” after suggesting the pair go for a drink after the match, the media, public and cricket bosses have piled on Gayle for his behaviour.

Gayle tried to explain it away as “just a joke” but others claim the Big Bash League star is a serial pest and has form for making inappropriate advances towards female journalists. The incident has kicked off an important debate about appropriate behaviour in the workplace.

But what if the shoe was on the other foot?

When Sunrise weather presenter Nuala Hafner openly hit on a semi-naked beachgoer during a live TV segment in December 2014, there was no such outrage.

While presenting for the Channel Seven morning show from Sydney’s Balmoral Beach, Hafner spotted a Speedo-clad man going about his morning exercise.

“Story of my love life, he would rather get wet than come over to me,” Nuala joked with Kochie and co-host Natalie Barr back in the studio.

“Is this some kind of mating display because I’m really enjoying it,”

She then interrupted her weather report to introduce herself to the man.

“Hello extremely muscly, fit, agile man,” she said as she approached him. “Hi how are you? I’m Nuala. Do you come here often?”

When he told her he lived “up the road”, she quickly asked if he was “single”.

“No, I’m happily engaged,” he said.

“Anyway it was nice knowing you,” the disappointed presenter said as she wrapped up her live cross to fits of laughter in the studio.

Sunrise weather report crashed by hunk in Speedos Nuala Hafner's weather report on Sunrise this morning was crashed by a hunk wearing black Speedos. Courtesy: Sunrise/Channel Seven

Hafner was largely praised for the segment. The report was picked up by other media and her actions even labelled as “brave” by at least one news outlet.

Of course there are differences. As one journalist pointed out to Gayle yesterday, McLaughlin was at work and should not have been made to feel uncomfortable. So was Gayle, where an extra level of professionalism is expected.

The incident has also prompted several high-profile female journalists to come forward with stories about their struggle for respect and equal treatment in the industry.

The West Indies cricketer has been fined $10,000 and Channel 10 says he will be stripped of his microphone for the rest of the season as punishment.

McLaughlin has since said she accepts Gayle’s apology and wants to put the incident behind her.

“I don’t really want to be the subject of such conversations, I like just going about my business and doing my job,” McLaughlin said.

Channel Seven has been contacted for comment.

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