Shane Warne's daughter Brooke has called out Channel Nine over its proposed plans to make a telemovie about the cricketing legend following his tragic death.
Reports suggest the TV network has already started pre-production on a series about Warne's incredible life, although it's understood Nine officials didn't approach the Aussie icon's family to get the green light.
This, understandably so, hasn't gone down well with a lot of people – including Warnie's family themselves.
Nine presenter Jo Hall appeared on Melbourne-based radio station 3AW to chat to host Dee Dee Dunleavy about the 2023 telemovie, but they were blasted by Warnie's eldest daughter.
“Do any of you have any respect for Dad? Or his family? Who did so much for Channel 9 and now you want to dramatise his life and our family's life 6 months after he passed away? You are beyond disrespectful,” a caption on Brooke's Instagram story read.
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According to The Herald Sun, Nine have already began casting for the upcoming biopic.
When news first broke of the plans to release a series documenting Warne's life, it was met with immediate backlash.
Warne's manager James Erskine lead the chorus of criticism, claiming the family were “never approached for their blessing or input”.
“He’s only been dead for a couple of months and for them to turn this around and think about doing some sensational thing, well they should be ashamed of themselves," Erskine told the Herald Sun.
“I will be writing to Peter Costello because he is their chairman and saying, please explain.
“Why would Nine even go there? It’s a disgrace and I will certainly be making my voice heard.”
Nine's head of content Andy Ryan described the planned tele-series as “premium quality drama”.
“Like the man himself this miniseries will be larger than life, entertaining, confronting thought-provoking,” Ryan said.
“We want to explore what made Warnie so special and why he had such a powerful effect on people.
“He was a sporting legend, a national treasure, international kind of icon. He was also a larrikin, a rogue and a charmer and a flawed man.
“The national outpouring of grief over his passing had shown us, if we needed telling, just what a sort of impact he’s had on the national conversation.”
He added: “He was an icon in all cricketing playing countries, but also all around the world.
“We will be making a premium quality drama with international appeal.”
Max Sherry