A New Chapter, But Not the Way She Expected
Abbey Gelmi has finally opened up about the moment she was let go from Channel Seven, a decision that came at a particularly difficult time in her life. The ABC sport presenter and Offsiders host was unexpectedly informed in February of last year that her contract would not be renewed, just weeks after welcoming her newborn son, Ollie, into the world.
At the time, Abbey presented her departure as a natural transition, describing it as “the right time for the next chapter.” This message suggested a mutual and amicable split. However, she now reveals a different story, one filled with pain and unexpected challenges.
“My son, Ollie, was born in November [2024], and in February I was sat down by Seven and told my contract wasn’t being renewed and ‘don’t worry about coming back,’” Abbey shared in an interview with Stellar.
She emphasized that while she acknowledges the network’s actions were above board, the timing of the decision was deeply unsettling. “I was still on maternity leave, and it was just a really turbulent time,” she said.
Protecting Herself, But Hiding the Pain
Abbey admitted that when the news broke, she chose to present a brave face, giving the impression that the time had come for a new chapter. “That was me protecting myself, but also processing a level of hurt and embarrassment I felt,” she explained.
This self-preservation mode was a way for her to cope with the emotional turmoil of losing her job so soon after becoming a mother. It was a difficult time, and the decision to stay quiet was partly out of fear of what might happen if she spoke out.
A New Set of Challenges
What made an already painful period even harder was the unexpected harassment that followed. Shortly after her exit from Seven, Abbey found herself targeted by a stalker – a Victorian man who bombarded her with repeated calls, messages, and explicit videos sent directly to her phone.
A police investigation followed, and the man was ultimately jailed. Abbey has since spoken candidly about why she didn’t go to the police sooner, revealing she waited around six weeks before reporting the behavior – a delay she now deeply regrets.
“I thought you could only be harassed or stalked if a person has been in your presence or home … that’s not the case,” she said. “I can’t believe it did take me as long as it did to seek police help.”
The Impact of Years in Sports Media
Abbey attributes that hesitation to years of conditioning working in sports media, where unsolicited and explicit contact from men online had disturbingly become part of the job. “It’s certainly not something I’ll tolerate now,” she said, “and I’m so glad legislation has moved with the times to protect women.”
Her experience highlights the challenges faced by women in the industry, where such behavior is often dismissed or overlooked. Abbey’s journey from silence to speaking out reflects a growing awareness of the need for better support and protection for those in the public eye.
Moving Forward
Despite the challenges, Abbey is now focused on moving forward. She has spoken openly about her experiences, using her platform to raise awareness about the importance of supporting women in the media and the need for stronger legal protections against harassment.
Her story serves as a reminder of the resilience required to navigate such situations, and the importance of speaking out when faced with injustice. Abbey’s journey is not just about her own experiences, but also about advocating for others who may be facing similar challenges.
