An Australian senator is receiving a major backlash for publicly slut-shaming his female colleague, by telling her to “stop shagging men,” during a parliamentary discussion on rape and violence against women.

Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young has retained lawyers and is threatening to take legal action for defamation against Liberal Democrat senator David Leyonhjelm and Sky News for their part in spreading “offensive and sexist slurs” about her.

I confronted Senator Leyonhjelm about his comment to me. Shocked at his brazen attitude, I called him a creep. He told me to “F*ck Off”. — Sarah Hanson-Young💚 (@sarahinthesen8) June 28, 2018

Last week in parliament Leyonhjelm told Hanson-Young to “stop shagging men” while debating whether the Senate should relax import restrictions on pepper sprays, in light of a series of attacks on women.

If Leyonhjelm thinks that shagging and violence are the same thing, his problems are even bigger than they look. #qanda — Van Badham (@vanbadham) July 2, 2018

If Leyonhjelm thinks that shagging and violence are the same thing, his problems are even bigger than they look. #qanda — Van Badham (@vanbadham) July 2, 2018

Backlash from the public towards Leyonhjelm has been resounding, with former Prime Minister Tony Abbott leading the charge by describing Leyonhjelm’s initial comment as “tacky.”

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After refusing the senate’s request to apologize, Leyonhjelm took to Sky News on Sunday to justify his statement, saying Hanson-Young is "known for liking men" and that "rumors about her in Parliament are well known".

Sexist slurs to demean women have no place in political debate in this country. Good to see men and women from across the parliament being prepared to call this out. https://t.co/8ekDBtXIm3 — Senator Penny Wong (@SenatorWong) July 2, 2018

Senator Leyonhjelm’s comments are shameful. They’re appalling in any context, let alone during a debate on the safety of women.We need more women in our parliaments, and we need to call out the men who think this kind of behaviour is acceptable. https://t.co/Nzhjbfqbnl — Richard Di Natale (@RichardDiNatale) June 29, 2018

Sky News highlighted the defamatory statements by replaying them on the bottom of the screen throughout the interview, inciting their own defamatory legal debacle. The News Corp organization later conceded that the comments were “appalling” and apologized to Hanson-Young. They also suspended the producer responsible while they conduct an internal investigation.

Sky News wishes to apologise to Senator @sarahinthesen8 for broadcasting appalling comments by Senator @DavidLeyonhjelm earlier today, and for highlighting them in an on-screen strap. A producer has been suspended pending an internal investigation. — Sky News Australia (@SkyNewsAust) July 1, 2018

Hanson-Young says the repeated comments show Leyonhjelm is unfit to represent Australians in Senate and called for his resignation. Her office confirmed Monday night that legal letters have been sent to Leyonhjelm, Sky News and 3AW radio – on which he also made remarks at the weekend.

Thank you for all the words of support and care; they mean a lot to me. I am seeking legal advice - as many of you have suggested. As a woman, a sister and a mother, I will continue to stand up. I will not be intimidated or bullied by offensive & sexist slurs. — Sarah Hanson-Young💚 (@sarahinthesen8) July 2, 2018

Sen Leyonhjelm's slur on Sen Hanson Young was despicable. He fancies himself as a warrior against political correctness, but this is just plain offensive, puerile. No one should have to put up with that in a workplace ..let alone Parliament which should set community standards . — NickMcCallum7 (@NickMcCallum7) June 28, 2018

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Sen Leyonhjelm's slur on Sen Hanson Young was despicable. He fancies himself as a warrior against political correctness, but this is just plain offensive, puerile. No one should have to put up with that in a workplace ..let alone Parliament which should set community standards . — NickMcCallum7 (@NickMcCallum7) June 28, 2018

Say what you will about Leyonhjelm, but slut-shaming a female senator on a Sunday talk show for low-key incels is exactly the kind of of hill he would die on #auspolhttps://t.co/uxETVMJaM4 — Kevin Nguyen (@cog_ink) July 2, 2018

Leyonhjelm claimed Sky were forced to apologize over fears of losing one of their main sponsors, the Aussie airline Qantas, and again refused to apologize upon learning of the possible legal ramifications. Instead, he labelled Hanson-Young a “misandrist” (the female equivalent to a misogynist) for taking his comments out of context.

"It would be easier [to apologise] but it would be insincere, wouldn’t it, because I don’t think I have anything to apologise for," Senator Leyonhjelm said. "Insincere apologies seem to be all the rage at the moment and I’m not in for it."