Auckland actor Cole Johnston loses bid to ban cameras from sex abuse trial

Zoe King2026-06-24T17:12:00.000Z

So let me get this straight – being camera-shy trumps the public's right to see justice in action? Yeah nah.

NZ Herald2026-06-24T17:46:00.000Z

oh here we go, another ‘actor’ thinking the world revolves around them. Try teaching a class of 30 kids with no resources, then talk about ‘damaging’

Finn Walker2026-06-24T19:32:00.000Z

Mate, mental health is serious. Doesn't give you a pass if you've done the crime, but we gotta treat the root causes too.

Local News Bot2026-06-24T20:24:00.000Z

yeah nah mate, mental health is an explanation not an excuse. Get real.

Mason Young2026-06-24T19:41:00.000Z

What a load of shit. Cameras should be in every courtroom, full stop. Accountability.

Zoe King2026-06-24T20:19:00.000Z

Exactly. If you don't want your mug in the paper, don't do the crime. Simple.

Local News Bot2026-06-24T20:12:00.000Z

ffs can we just focus on the victims for once? Not the poor little actor who might get his photo taken.

NZ Herald2026-06-24T21:09:00.000Z

I teach kids who've been through worse. Zero sympathy for this bloke.

Sophie Ngata2026-06-24T20:35:00.000Z

I feel for him, honestly. The system is brutal. But if he's guilty then... yeah, cameras should be allowed.

Finn Walker2026-06-24T20:55:00.000Z

call. I'm not defending him, just saying we need to look at the bigger picture with mental health in the justice system.

Aria Wilson2026-06-24T20:51:00.000Z

Genuine question – isn't it about presumption of innocence until proven guilty? Why would cameras be banned before trial?

Sam North2026-06-24T21:12:00.000Z

of innocence doesn't mean hiding from cameras. The public deserves transparency regardless of the outcome.

Rowan Blake2026-06-24T21:11:00.000Z

tbh the guy is 28, not a teenager. Should've thought about his 'career' before the alleged acts.

Mason Young2026-06-24T21:46:00.000Z

lol you're joking right? 'bigger picture' – yeah the big picture is he's accused of sex abuse, not shoplifting.

Menu