The hero of Bondi is engulfed in a WILD media row after he suddenly pulled out of a Sky News Australia interview in his $6,000-a-night penthouse suite
The man hailed as the 'Bondi hero' has become embroiled in a media controversy after failing to appear for a high-profile interview with Sky News.
The man hailed as the Bondi hero has been embroiled in a media controversy after a late withdrawal from a high-profile interview with Sky News Australia.
Ahmed Al Ahmed, the tobacco shop owner from Sydney's west, was wounded while disarming one of the gunmen during the deadly Bondi Beach attack on December 14.
Sky News Australia claims he offered to do a full sit-down interview with Sky News anchor Sharri Markson on his release from hospital over the weekend.
In return, the news channel claims they arranged his $6,000-a-night suite at Crown Casino's hotel in Sydney CBD's harbourfront Barangaroo.
But at the last moment, they claim he decided not to go ahead with the interview, prompting a Sky News article which allegedly revealed all the arrangements made.
The channel's Head of Programs, Mark Calvert, penned a lengthy article for Sky News Australia's website which described the day as 'frustrating' and at times 'surreal'.
According to Calvert, Markson was contacted on Christmas Day by Mr Al Ahmed's lawyer, Sam Issa, who asked if she would like to interview Mr Al Ahmed after he was discharged from hospital.
Mr Al Ahmed later spoke directly with Markson from his hospital bed on Boxing Day, recounting how he intervened during the attack when he believed the gunman was moving towards a larger group of Jewish people.
During those conversations, he said he would like to visit the Bondi memorial site with Markson to release six white doves, one for each of the major religions in Australia.
He also suggested survivors and relatives of victims could join him.
Ahmed Al Ahmed showed Sharri Markson pictures of his arm with five bullet wounds and sent her footage of him tackling the gunman prior to his Sky News interview
Ahmed Al Ahmed seen with his parents on the balcony of the Villa at Crown in Barangaroo
Calvert said Sky News met all of the requests, sourcing the white doves, lining up Jewish community members, and the camera crew was booked.
He said staff - including Markson herself - were recalled from Christmas leave and Crown Sydney provided the luxury hotel suite for three nights.
On the morning of the planned interview, Mr Al Ahmed reportedly set up social media accounts under the name @ahmedalahmedsydneyhero.
He also showed Markson photographs of his injuries, including images of the five bullet wounds to his arm, along with footage of him tackling the gunman.
Over breakfast at the hotel, Markson presented Mr Al Ahmed with a silver Star of David necklace as a gesture of gratitude from herself and members of the Jewish community.