Australia: Threats and Arson Plot Against Kate McClymont and The Sydney Morning Herald

Threats by business partner of controversial neurosurgeon Charlie Teo follow exposé on Teo’s illicit business activities and sexual harassment

Location: Australia, Sydney
Date: August 29, 2023

Leaked WhatsApp messages unveil how Carlo LoGiudice, a business partner associate of infamous neurosurgeon Charlie Teo, threatened to put out a murder for hire on veteran journalist Kate McClymont and set fire to The Sydney Morning Herald. The Coalition For Women In Journalism condemns threats and the blatant disregard for press freedom. We stand firmly in support of McClymont and The Sydney Morning Herald, denouncing these threats and calling for a thorough investigation and prosecution of the individuals responsible. We emphasize the need for a safe and secure environment for journalists to carry out their vital work without fear of intimidation or violence.

A recent investigation by The Sydney Morning Herald uncovered troubling statements made by Carlo LoGiudice in a WhatsApp group chat on September 7, 2019 morning. The threats are believed to be in response to the publication of multiple articles exposing illicit business activities, misconduct, exorbitant fees, and sexual harassment by LoGiudice’s business partner, controversial neurosurgeon Charlie Teo. 

Teo and LoGiudice collaborated on a plan to acquire land from Blacktown City Council to establish a cutting-edge research center and prestigious medical tourism hospital. This facility aimed to draw patients from around the globe, seeking the expertise of Teo and other renowned surgeons. Despite enduring numerous bankruptcy attempts, LoGiudice continued to be actively involved in the project.

The Sydney Morning Herald investigation highlighted the reputational risks associated with Teo's involvement in the project and the concerns raised by Blacktown City Council, acknowledging doubts about the ability of Teo's group to carry out such a large-scale project.

In July this year, Teo was found guilty of unsatisfactory professional conduct. He was investigated by a professional standards committee, which suggested that the neurosurgeon performed futile surgeries that left two patients in a vegetative state, leading to their eventual death. 

Teo denies any wrongdoing and contends that the accusations against him have been motivated by personal vendettas orchestrated by individuals within the medical field whom he perceives as adversaries.

LoGuidice's statements in the WhatsApp group included threats targeted at journalist Kate McClymont and The Sydney Morning Herald, with intentions of causing harm to the reporter and committing arson against the news outlet. 

Using vile rhetoric, LoGiudice informed Teo that he had recently spoken to a furious Italian father and son eager to return to Australia to confront McClymont. He expressed that the journalist was in serious trouble and that she had chosen the wrong people to mess with. 

“They are fuming and want to come back to Australia ASAP and rifle that b***h Kate,” writes LoGiudice in his messages to Teo, who responded, "Thank you, Carlo. It has been a difficult week."

In a subsequent message, LoGuidice alluded to a "growing movement" aimed at mobilizing a group of individuals, purportedly friends and supporters of Teo to burn The Sydney Morning Herald as an act of defiance.

After The Sydney Morning Herald filed a police report, LoGiudice emailed the news outlet, stating, "Neither you nor the SMH nor any other person has anything to fear from me." Initially, he raised the possibility that the conversations may have been tampered with or modified ("doctored") but later described them as "banter."

The Coalition For Women In Journalism stands in solidarity with esteemed journalist Kate McClymont and The Sydney Morning Herald in light of the alarming threats against them. We strongly condemn these threats and call for a comprehensive investigation and prosecution of all individuals involved. Such acts of intimidation and violence have no place in a free and democratic society.

The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.

If you have been harassed or abused in any way, and please report the incident by using the following form.