Grace Tame has disclosed that her once-thriving speaking engagements have significantly diminished following her controversial remarks at a pro-Palestine rally, where she called for the “globalization of the intifada.”
Speaking at the No to Violence conference in Hobart on Thursday, Tame shared that she no longer has any scheduled speaking events for the remainder of the year.
“This is my last presentation of the year and it’s only March,” announced the former Australian of the Year.
She revealed that three of her scheduled speaking engagements were canceled last week, attributing the cancellations to what she described as an “ongoing media smear campaign.”
It is understood that as of 2023, Tame charged approximately $20,000 for each corporate speaking engagement, suggesting a significant financial loss due to these cancellations.
Following media coverage by the ABC of her rally comments, Tame took to Instagram to criticize the national broadcaster, accusing it of aligning with the “pro-Israel lobby” in its depiction of her.
Tame has drawn condemnation from the Jewish community since her appearance at a rally during Israel President Isaac Herzog’s visit to Australia in February.
Demonstrators had gathered at the Sydney Town Hall to protest President Herzog’s visit – made in the wake of the Bondi terrorist attack on a Hannukah celebration by the beach.
Grace Tame has revealed she has no more speaking engagements for the rest of the year, blaming it on a smear campaign
Weeks after the attack – the worst terrorist incident in Australian history – Tame led chants to ‘Globalise the Intifada’.
‘Intifadas’ refer to two violent uprisings in the Middle East that have involved the deliberate targeting of innocent civilians – although Tame has always indicated she only supports peaceful action.
Tame blasted the ABC on Thursday for singling out her comments that she did not support antisemitism
‘We can always rely on our ABC for more lopsided reporting that preferences the pro-Israel lobby’s position ahead of everyone else’s,’ she fumed.
She accused the ABC of peddling ‘right-wing propaganda’ as she defended the ‘Globalise the Intifada’ chant.
‘Both intifadas began as peaceful protests, boycotts and labour strikes in response to Israel’s ongoing violent oppression,’ she wrote.
‘Omitting this context erases history and Palestinians themselves. Two wrongs don’t make a right, but they sure do make right-wing propaganda.’
Tame faced calls to be stripped of her 2021 Australian of the Year honour in the wake of her speech at the demonstration in February. More than 25,000 Australians signed a petition demanding action.
Tame drew condemnation from the Jewish community after she delivered a speech in front of demonstrators protesting against Israel President Isaac Herzog’s visit to Australia in February
The petition called for authorities to charge Tame with ‘[alleged] criminal incitement to violence under existing Australian law’.
‘We do not need new “hate speech” laws, if the threshold for incitement has been crossed, current laws are sufficient,’ the petition stated.
‘In 2021, Grace Tame was named Australian of the Year, an honour reserved for individuals who reflect the values, unity and integrity of our nation.
‘That title carries moral weight. It is not just recognition for past advocacy, it represents an ongoing association with Australian ideals.’
Her appearance at an International Women’s Day event in Bendigo, Victoria, came under fire from the Australian Jewish Association.
The group had lobbied for organisers to drop her appearance, however organisers Be.Bendigo refused to cave in to pressure.
Last year, Global sports brand Nike officially cut ties over her pro-Palestinian posts on social media.
Tame had shared several posts in solidarity with Palestinians during the conflict with Israel.
‘Grace and Nike have mutually agreed to part ways,’ a Nike spokesman said.
‘We wish Grace the best as she continues her running journey.’
Tame is an ultra-marathon runner and was appointed as a brand ambassador by Nike at the start of 2025.
She shared a gushing message at the time, writing: ‘I couldn’t be more excited to announce that I am officially an ambassador for Nike.
‘This has been a long time in the making.’
