‘Burn in Hell’: TV anchor abuses Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on live TV | Watch

Rita Panahi of Sky News Australia expressed strong sentiments following Ayatollah Khamenei's death, calling it a moment of potential liberation for Iran. Her comments went viral, prompting mixed reactions on social media.

Sounak Mukhopadhyay
Updated2 Mar 2026, 09:47 AM IST
‘Burn in Hell’: TV anchor abuses Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on live TV | Watch
‘Burn in Hell’: TV anchor abuses Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on live TV | Watch(Screengrab from YouTube/Sky News Australia, Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS/File Photo)

Sky News Australia anchor Rita Panahi shocked viewers with her strong words. Following Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s death, the news channel ran a segment titled “Rita’s Take on Strikes on Iran”.

Panahi called it the shortest editorial of her career. She said that, after 47 years of what she described as Islamist tyranny, the dictator was dead and Iran was now close to liberation.

Also Read | Khamenei killed in Israeli-US strikes, confirms Iranian media

Rita Panahi used her native Persian to say, “Worthless dog, shame on you, burn in Hell.”

“I knew Iran would be liberated from the Islamists at some point. I never thought I would see this day in my lifetime,” she said.

The clip quickly went viral on social media, crossing lakhs of views within hours.

“Did she know that she could be punished for this?” wrote one user.

“The gangs will get activated to get her fired from Sky News Australia for saying that,” commented another user.

One user wrote, “That was perfect, Rita!”

“That was bada*s. Protect this queen at all costs,” came from another.

Also Read | Attack on Ayatollah Khamenei equals ‘all out war,’ warns Iranian President

“This is absolutely NOT. How Iranians would curse at Khamenei! She is obsoletely out of touch. Khamenei isn’t a 9-year-old school child being cursed by his mom to do his homework. We would say: ‘F***er, you’ve turned into a cutlet, you little rat’,” commented another user.

Another user asked, “Her outburst reflects the intense emotions and strong condemnation some commentators feel toward Iran’s leadership after years of its hostility and violence, especially now amid the confirmed death of Ayatollah Khamenei.”

Protest in Australia

Rita Panahi continued his strong anti-Islamist stand. On Twitter (now X), she posted photos of some people protesting against Ayatollah Khamenei’s death. Panahi called them ‘imbeciles’.

“Oh, look at these imbeciles in Melbourne mourning a dictator. Here's some sage advice...if you want to be an Islamist, go live in an Islamist country....though there'll be one less of those shortly,” she wrote.

Also Read | Who is Reza Pahlavi? Exiled crown prince emerges as key figure in Iran protests

Social media reacted to her tweet. The reactions have been mixed.

“We seem to import so many Islamists into Australia. As soon as they escape persecution (Which is apparently why they want to come here ) and are safe in Australia, they suddenly start supporting the Islamists they supposedly fled from,” posted one user.

Another wrote, “Why are they here? So many Muslim countries to choose from.”

“Really, you're such a treasonous viper cheering the US and the Zionist p*gs killing your own people. What about the 165 dead girls they killed on the first day of this war, or the 40 women's volleyball squad?” asked another user.

“Have enjoyed your commentary from over in the U.S. for some time. Did not know you were Persian. Of course, you're probably more Australian than a lot of Australians at this stage. Anyhow, glad DJT has brought you joy by removing Khamenei from office, congratulations!” posted another.

“Rita is the Australian mouthpiece of Netanyahu,” wrote another.

About the Author

Sounak Mukhopadhyay covers trending news, sports and entertainment for LiveMint. His reporting focuses on fast-moving stories, box office performance, digital culture and major cricket developments. He combines real-time updates with clear context for everyday readers. <br><br> Sounak brings newsroom experience across breaking news, explainers and long-form features. He has a strong emphasis on accuracy, verification and responsible storytelling. His work tracks audience behaviour, celebrity influence and the business of sport and cinema. He helps readers understand why a story matters beyond the headline. <br><br> Sounak has contributed to widely read digital publications. He continues to build a body of journalism shaped by consistency, speed and editorial clarity. He is particularly interested in the intersection of media, popular culture and public conversation in contemporary India. <br><br> At LiveMint, he writes daily coverage as well as analytical pieces that interpret numbers, trends and cultural moments in accessible language. His approach prioritises factual depth, balanced framing and reader trust. The reporting aligns with modern newsroom standards of transparency and credibility. <br><br> Outside daily reporting, he explores storytelling across formats including podcasts, filmmaking and narrative non-fiction. Through his journalism, Sounak aims to document the rhythms of modern entertainment and sports while maintaining rigorous editorial integrity. <br><br> Sounak continues to develop audience-focused journalism that connects speed with substance in a rapidly-changing information environment. His work seeks clarity, trust and lasting public value in every story he reports.

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