Mercedes allays Corby interview fears

Mercedes Corby has appeared on TV in Australia and Indonesia, dismissing the multi-million dollar figures linked to Schapelle's first interview.

Mercedes Corby gives a statement to the media

Mercedes Corby has dismissed the multi-million dollar figures linked to Schapelle's first interview. (AAP)

Mercedes Corby has released a televised statement in English and Indonesian, dismissing the multi-million dollar price tags being linked to her sister's first interview.

Schapelle Corby this week swapped her Bali jail cell for a five-star villa, where she is weighing up whether a lucrative exclusive with the Seven Network could jeopardise her parole.

There have been reports the Corbys could make up to $3 million for the deal, angering people in both Indonesia and Australia.

The head of the Bali parole board has also warned the convicted drug smuggler should be careful about what she says about her crime and punishment, lest it endanger her parole.

In a televised statement on Thursday, Mercedes Corby seeks to address both Australian and Indonesian concerns.

"The sums being reported are ridiculous," she says.

"When Schapelle is ready to speak the parole officers will be informed."

In the statement read in English, Mercedes also hit back at Queensland Premier Campbell Newman, who wants to stop the family profiting from any interview.

She says Mr Newman is "so interested in this story" that his government helped fund the "biased and inaccurate" Nine Network film, Schapelle.

The statement was aired by Seven in Australia and on Metro TV in Indonesia, who distributed it to other media.

It appeared to have been filmed inside the Sentosa Seminyak villas where Corby is staying.

Seven presenter Mike Willesee, who is also staying at the Sentosa villas, on Tuesday dismissed the $2 million figure as "way silly" and said a deal had not yet been reached.


2 min read

Published

Updated

Source: AAP


Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Watch now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world