Australian newspaper criticised for 'sexist' obituary of celebrated author

The Australian was slammed for referring to Colleen McCullough as 'fat and plain' in the opening paragraph of her obituary.

An obituary of a beloved author that appeared in an Australian newspaper has been widely slated online for being patronising and sexist.

Bestselling Australian writer Colleen McCullough passed away on Thursday, January 29 on Norfolk Island. She was best known for writing The Thorn Birds – which sold 30m copies worldwide.