‘Did not post an image’: Carlton president breaks silence on lewd photo post amid AFL probe

Embattled Carlton president Luke Sayers has broken his silence on the lewd photo scandal that emerged in recent weeks.

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A graphic photo was tweeted from Sayers’ account in early January along with the name of a senior female executive at a major Blues corporate partner.

Sayers quickly deleted the tweet, saying he had been hacked and to “please ignore all posts” before deleting both that post and his account.

The Herald Sun reported Sayers was in Italy with his wife and children at the time of the post and has now been “refusing to answer calls from colleagues before disconnecting his phone.

“A social media expert told the Herald Sun it is unusual Sayers could still access his X account after the alleged hack and stated it could have been done by someone who had access to his password,” the report stated.

But on Friday a spokesperson for Sayers said: “Mr Sayers did not post an image to his X account on 8 January 2025.

“When he was alerted that his social media had been hacked, he immediately disabled all of his accounts and engaged legal counsel.

“Mr Sayers acknowledges the distress of everyone impacted by this shocking incident. Mr Sayers and the club have been engaging with the AFL Integrity Unit, and he will continue to deal with this issue without further public comment.”

Meanwhile the Blues said in a statement: “The club continues to cooperate and liaise with the AFL Integrity Unit.

“The club notified the league last week and reached out to those involved, including individuals and corporate partners to provide care and support.

“Given the sensitive nature of this issue, the club acknowledges the effect and impact this has on individuals and will provide ongoing support to those involved.

“We will continue to cooperate with the AFL Integrity Unit and appreciate the patience required to work through this matter, an update will be provided by the club when in a position to do so.”

Sayers’ role at Carlton was already under fire before the photo incident due to his stint at big four consultancy firm PwC.

Sayers was in charge during a major scandal, which saw the company forced to sell its government consultancy business – previously valued at up to $1 billion, for $1 as it was revealed government secrets were passed onto clients, allowing senior figures to profit.

Sayers was not accused of being personally involved and denied all knowledge of the matter, but was the CEO at the time and apologised during a Senate hearing in 2023.

He took over as Carlton president in August 2021.