Stan Grant: What Happened, Where He Is Now, and Personal Life

Born: 30 September 1963  |  Career length: 30+ years  |  Awards: Walkley Award 2015  |  Heritage: Wiradjuri, Kamilaroi, Dharawal  |  Current role: Professor at Charles Sturt University

What Happened with Stan Grant?

In May 2023, Stan Grant announced he would step away from hosting ABC’s Q&A after enduring what he described as “relentless” racist abuse. The abuse followed his comments during the ABC’s coverage of the coronation of King Charles III, where he spoke about the brutality of colonialism and racism.

The incident at the Q&A forum

The backlash was triggered by Grant’s remarks on colonial violence during the coronation broadcast. The New York Times reported that the controversy centered on his comments about the brutality of colonialism.

Stan Grant’s announcement of departure

On 19 May 2023, Grant released a statement explaining his decision. The ABC News article noted that he accused the broadcaster of “institutional failure” for failing to publicly defend him against the abuse. The International Federation of Journalists also reported the same day that Grant was stepping down after targeted racial abuse.

“I have been subjected to racial abuse that has been relentless. The ABC has failed to publicly defend me – that is an institutional failure.” – Stan Grant, via ABC News

Public response and support

Charles Sturt University, where Grant held a professorial role, released a public statement on 24 May 2023 saying they stood with Grant. The university quoted Grant saying he would not give racists the satisfaction of taking time out. Other outlets, including the BBC and SBS NITV, covered the story widely, framing it as a case of racial abuse against a respected journalist.

Where Is Stan Grant Now?

After leaving ABC, Grant reduced his media profile but did not disappear. He returned to writing for Guardian Australia and focused on his academic career at Charles Sturt University.

Current roles and positions

Grant is the Vice-Chancellor’s Chair of Australian-Indigenous Belonging at Charles Sturt University, a role he has held since 2020. In 2024, he completed his PhD in theology, as confirmed by the university’s research output page. He was also elected a Fellow of the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia in 2023.

Writing and academic work

Grant continues to contribute opinion pieces and analysis, particularly on Indigenous issues and media ethics. His academic work focuses on Indigenous culture, history, and belonging. He is also under contract with Simon & Schuster for a forthcoming book.

Public appearances

Grant makes occasional media appearances, but his public profile is significantly reduced compared to his time hosting Q&A. He has not returned to a regular television role.

Is Stan Grant Unwell?

Grant has spoken openly about the mental toll of the racial abuse he endured. While he has not disclosed a specific illness, the experience led him to step back from television for his well-being.

Health speculations and clarifications

No chronic physical condition has been publicly confirmed. Grant has not indicated any illness beyond the psychological impact of harassment.

Mental health considerations

In interviews, Grant has referenced the need to protect his mental health. The decision to leave Q&A was partly driven by this need. In the CSU statement, he said he would not let racists dictate his life, but he also emphasized the importance of self-care.

“I will not give racists the satisfaction of taking time out. But I also know that I need to look after myself.” – Stan Grant, via Charles Sturt University News

Who Are Stan Grant’s Children?

Grant has two children, a son and a daughter, from his first marriage to Karla Grant. He keeps their names and personal details private to protect their privacy.

Number of children

Both children are now adults. Grant has occasionally mentioned them in interviews but does not provide identifying information.

Privacy and public information

Given the intense scrutiny Grant has faced, he has chosen to keep his children out of the public eye. This is consistent with his broader approach to maintaining boundaries between his personal and professional life.

Who Is Stan Grant Married To?

Grant is currently married to sports journalist Tracey Holmes. The couple wed in 2009 after Grant separated from his first wife, Karla Grant.

Current marriage to Tracey Holmes

Tracey Holmes is a well-known sports presenter and journalist. The couple has been together since 2009 and often attend events together. Holmes publicly supported Grant during the Q&A controversy, though detailed statements are not on public record.

Previous marriage

Grant was married to Karla Grant (no relation) from 1994 until their separation in 2008–2009. The divorce was finalized in 2010. Karla Grant is also a journalist, currently a presenter at SBS. The transition between marriages was closely watched by Australian media.

The timeline shows that Grant’s divorce from Karla Grant was finalized after his marriage to Tracey Holmes, which created some public discussion at the time.

Timeline of Key Events

The timeline shows that Grant’s departure from television was not an exit from public life but a strategic shift toward academia and writing. What this means is that his influence now flows through scholarly channels rather than broadcast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related reading: Andrew Symonds: Death, Cause, Career & Key Facts – another prominent Indigenous figure who faced public scrutiny. Also see Noni Hazlehurst: Biography, Partner, Home & Current Work – an Australian media personality profile.