Optus staff threatened over Arabic advert

Optus has responded to social media backlash and alleged threats to staff by removing a poster written in Arabic from a Sydney shopping centre.

The poster at the centre in Casula Mall highlighted the fact that Optus employs multi-lingual staff, with the tagline "We speak your language".

As first reported by the Sydney Morning Herald, users took to the telco's Facebook page to blast it for "contempt" for customers and calling Optus "hypocrites".

The telco is offering free calls for Optus Postpaid, Prepaid and Fixed customers to call France and Lebanon to check on friends and relatives following the recent terrorist attacks.

An Optus spokesperson said: "Optus remains committed to minimising and eliminating discrimination through our corporate culture, marketing activities, employment practices and interactions with the community. However, yesterday following a threat to our store staff, we made the decision to remove some materials that were published in Arabic. The safety and security of our staff is paramount.”

Optus has since removed the posters from Casula Mall, and it is understood that the investigation into the threats is ongoing.