A controversial sexual health article published by the Burnett Foundation Aotearoa (formerly the New Zealand AIDS Foundation) has been taken offline after becoming a target of online hate, with the organisation citing concerns for staff and community safety.
The two-part article, titled ‘Sh*t Talk: Part 1 – What is scat?’* and ‘Part 2: A deeper dive into scat’, originally appeared on the Burnett Foundation’s website in March and April 2024. It explored aspects of scat play (sexual practices involving faeces between two consenting adults).
However, after a wave of backlash—primarily on social media platforms like Twitter—the Foundation has confirmed the articles have been “temporarily archived.”
“The content was temporarily archived in response to it being the target of hate groups online, that were also sharing upcoming Burnett Foundation events, putting our staff and community at risk,” a spokesperson told Your Ex.
“Our first and foremost priority is the safety of our whare. As we see increased hate and threat directed at our communities, it’s more important than ever that we stand together and look after each other.”
Rumours Around the Article’s Author
The controversy intensified as users online began to speculate that current Green MP Benjamin Doyle authored the article during their previous role as Pou Whakahaere Māori at the Foundation, prior to entering parliament.
In response, the Burnett Foundation maintained its policy around article anonymity:
“For safety reasons, we do not include bylines in our articles,” a spokesperson stated.
A Temporary Pause, Not a Permanent Removal
Despite the backlash, the Burnett Foundation has clarified that the article is not gone for good.
“It’s important that people of all sexual orientations, who are engaging in kink play, have sexual health information to keep themselves safe,” the spokesperson said.
“This content will be back, and we will continue to share sex-positive public health content that meets our communities’ needs.”
