The Australian Navy recently celebrated the launch of their $2 billion warship the HMAS Supply in April , a new Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment ship designed to carry fuel, equipment and spare parts to provide support for deployed naval forces operating far from port.

While the launch celebrations included much of the traditional fanfare, what makes this particular launch unique was the decision to employ dance troupe 101 Doll Squadron as one of the unofficial acts.

The Sydney-based dance troupe specialises in dancehall and afrobeats, describing themselves as a “squadron of dancehall women facilitating a movement to unite and collaborate unique projects…”

Although they were not a part of the official celebration, news of the dancers went viral – with the ABC releasing a particularly controversial video report that captured the public interest more than it was likely intended.

In the widely circulated video, the troupe are seen throwing it back, followed by a cutaway implying a crowd of Navy officials – including Governor-General David Hurley, the Chief of Navy and the Chief of Defense – were privy the performance.

Part of the original video editing, which has since been deleted. Via The New Daily

But why is this an issue?

For starters, it was soon revealed that the Chief of Navy was not actually present at the time of the performance – which (as stated earlier) was not part of the official ceremony.

In a statement to the Sydney Morning Herald, 101 Doll Squadron director Maya Sheridan likened the footage to up-skirting, saying “The ABC shot from an angle which no audience member could see and the girls had no alternative but to follow their routine through. The person seeing that angle of their crotches was the ABC camera operator.”

The incorrectly edited footage also violates clause nine of the MEAA code of journalism ethics – which states that journalists should aim to “Present pictures and sound which are true and accurate. Any manipulation likely to mislead should be disclosed.”

The ABC wasn’t the only news outlet to instigate controversy, with the Daily Telegraph also releasing a damning article which received mixed signals on social media.

Although the ABC has since apologized and removed the offending video, the damage was already done, with 101 Doll Squadron feeling “threatened” and “exploited” in the wake of the viral media interest, eventually deleting their Facebook page and temporarily setting their Instagram to a private page.

With the recent allegations surrounding Christian Porter, and the following defamation case that nearly took place, a poorly edited story (from what is supposed to be a reputable news outlet) feels like a step backwards.

What do you think about the edit? Was the controversy worth it?