Major Australian media conglomerate Channel 7 has caused a stir after footage emerged of a group of dancing female “sexy Santas” in short red dresses during a routine “town hall”-style staff meeting this month.

The “bizarre” incident, which reportedly took place at the headquarters of the broadcaster’s parent company in Perth on Friday, sparked widespread criticism, particularly amid ongoing allegations of inappropriate behaviour at the broadcaster, particularly by men towards female employees.

According to the Australian Financial Review, the quartet of women dressed in red Santa hats and dresses performed in front of seated staff during a meeting to introduce new staff to the station. Deputy Director of News Ray Kuka was outlining the upcoming program when Mariah Carey’s All I Want for Christmas began to play and the female performers stepped forward.

Images of the incident quickly began circulating after being shared by stunned staff, with one photo later published online by the AFR.

While some online argued that such practices were common in offices over the Christmas period, many called the decision “stupid” and “embarrassing,” particularly given the intense scrutiny the broadcaster is currently facing in the wake of an ABC investigation into Four Corners, which detailed allegations of a “toxic culture” and poor treatment of women at the broadcaster.

A Seven West Media spokesman defended the dancers, telling the AFR it was all part of a Christmas spectacle that was said to be a “Perth institution”.

Shock over dance number “straight from the 80s”

Some female employees reportedly even left the meeting after watching the dance number, while complaints were received by the human resources department, according to AFR.

Many Australians have expressed their incomprehension about the choice of entertainment in the workplace online.

“This is a clip from the new Australian version of The Office right? This can’t be real, how can this be real, oh my god it’s real,” one person said online.

“OMG – if they thought that was even remotely appropriate given everything we’ve found out about them, then the cultural structure of this organization is completely broken,” one woman wrote. “Sounds like they need to be completely weeded out at the leadership level.”

Seven had previously stated that it takes all allegations of sexual harassment, bullying and other behavior deemed inappropriate “seriously.”

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