A Melbourne-based content creator and self-described comedian has been sacked after a video in which she stereotypes Indigenous people sparked outrage online.
Lisa Jane Spencer said she was dismissed from Peninsula Hot Springs on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula on Wednesday after she posted a 36-second video to various social media accounts “satirising” an episode of the SBS program Insight, including its logo.
The video sparked a backlash online, including from a number of Indigenous people such as Brooke Blurton, who featured in the Bachelorette reality TV series.
Spencer alleged that those who shared the video with her employer had “illegally doxxed my workplace online and shared it publicly”.
“They fired me on the spot yesterday morning with no notice – less than 24 hours after I posted the video,” Spencer said in a statement to this masthead.
“People should not be fired from their work for their political views and comedy. I will be seeking legal advice.”
Spencer starts the video wearing a faux-fur jacket while holding a bowl with burning eucalyptus leaves, referencing the Indigenous practice of a smoking ceremony. She also wears white paint on her face, and a badge featuring the Aboriginal flag and the slogan “Always was, Always will be”.
“I’m Aunty Lisa,” Spencer says in the video. “I started identifying as a black fella a few months ago.”
“I am Aboriginal, yes,” she said while ticking a fake government form. “I finally feel at peace with who I am, one of the mob.”
Towards the end of the video, Spencer mocks a traditional clap stick dance and says, “Aboriginal identity transcends skin colour. I am Aboriginal, end of story,” before placing a petrol can in front of her nose.
Blurton, the first Indigenous Bachelorette in the reality TV series, was getting coffee on Wednesday morning when she received multiple messages from members of her community telling her to watch Spencer’s video.
Blurton told this masthead that she was disappointed but “unfortunately, not surprised” when she saw Spencer’s video. So she decided to press record.
“I really hate that I have to make this video, but I cannot sit back and just let this happen,” Blurton said in the recording she posted to social media in response to Spencer’s video.
“I’m so sick of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people being the brunt of the joke because it’s not funny. You can argue that this is comedy, and it’s satire, and it’s funny, but it’s actually not … let’s be clear, it’s not humour, it’s a racist stereotype.
“What in the world makes you think that this is funny, like it’s not a game, and it’s not your life. I’m an Aboriginal person, and I’ve never sniffed glue in my life … Why do you choose to humiliate and create more hate for a community that is already facing such prejudice and racism all the time?”
Blurton urged her followers to report Spencer’s videos. “If you can, please do me a favour: don’t engage in her content, report the video, report her, and share that she takes some accountability for her actions because I just don’t know why you would create something so harmful.”
Peninsula Hot Springs responded to the backlash on Thursday in a Facebook post, referring to Spencer as “former” employee.
“Peninsula Hot Springs is aware of concerns that have been raised regarding social media content circulating online from a former employee,” the statement read.
“We want to acknowledge and sincerely recognise the concern and disappointment that has been expressed, particularly by members of First Nations communities, community partners and those who have reached out to us directly.
“We do not support or endorse content that is inconsistent with our values or our commitment to inclusion, respect and cultural safety.”
Spencer, in response to questions from this masthead, said she stood by her video and apologises “to absolutely nobody”.
Spencer rejected accusations of prejudice, saying she targeted all kinds of people with her content.
“I don’t make jokes at Aboriginal people. I make jokes about all kinds of people,” she said.
Spencer said her parody was based on an episode of Insight featuring Roxanne ‘Roxy’ Tickle, a transgender woman who a judge found had been indirectly discriminated against when she was barred from a female-only social media app, Giggle for Girls, in a landmark case.
“I created a parody using the same format, the same logo, and the same ‘serious interview’ style to satirise what I see as an even more absurd idea: White people claiming Aboriginal identity for benefits,” Spencer said.
Five days ago, Spencer posted another satirical video in the same format targeting the Indian community, where she wears a traditional outfit and speaks in an accent and says: “I was assigned Australian at birth, but I identify as Indian.”
She throws rubbish on a front lawn in the video and says, “It’s a lot harder for me having much less melanin. People often assume my race … What do you mean I need deodorant?”
Spencer said SBS had not asked her to take down the video.
In a statement, SBS said it was aware that social media posts were circulating featuring the unauthorised use of its logos.
“The posts and individual are in no way associated with our content and have been reported,” an SBS spokesperson said.
“SBS unequivocally condemns all forms of racism and recognises the damaging impact it has on individuals, communities and social cohesion. Such views have no place in Australian society.”
The multicultural broadcaster then linked to two stories, highlighting the racism faced by Indigenous and Indian Australians.
Blurton said the response to her video had been “overwhelmingly supportive”.
“At the same time, many people have expressed frustration that these kinds of harmful narratives continue to surface in 2026,” she said.
Kayla Olaya is a culture reporter at The Sydney Morning Herald.Connect via email.