Murdoch University has backflipped on its decision to allow a nutrition adviser to host a seminar on campus this weekend, after months of backlash from students and dieticians regarding her qualifications and supposedly "dangerous diet advice".
Earlier this month, WAtoday revealed Murdoch University intended to stand by its decision to host Brisbane-based "nutrition expert" and Bring Back the Fat author Christine Cronau despite facing significant opposition from students, dieticians and fitness professionals.
The university said it encouraged "alternative points of view" and "respectful and insightful debate of thought provoking topics".
However a Murdoch spokesman confirmed the event was officially cancelled on Wednesday morning.
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"Murdoch University has carefully reconsidered its decision to hire a venue on the University campus for this presentation," he said.
"This follows considerable feedback from our academic community, alumni and the public.
"The University stands by its reputation for the highest level of evidence-based research across all disciplines, which is vital when dealing with critical health recommendations."
Ms Cronau's two previous seminars set to be held at Edith Cowan University and the University of Adelaide were also cancelled earlier this month and she has since been banned from speaking at any South Australian university.
The cancellation comes after Perth accredited dietician Chris Vavakis petitioned to have her WA university seminar dates canned and said the event would have potentially aligned Murdoch University with "dangerous medical and nutritional advice".
"Hosting the event on the Murdoch University campus [would] bring the reputation of the University into disrepute, damaging the credibility of the institution and its graduates - particularly those in the allied health fields. It also [implied] to those attending the event that Murdoch University supports Ms Cronau's views," he said.
"It's very pleasing that Murdoch has finally realised their responsibility to the public."
Ms Cronau said she believed Murdoch University had cancelled her booking due to "continued harassment from a hate page".
"The bullies will NOT stop me from speaking... the new venues I organised for Perth and Adelaide were also cancelled... and we have moved location again," she said.
"Even though I did get vice chancellor approval from both University of SA and Murdoch University and they both assured me they would not cancel despite any petitions or complaints, they both cancelled my bookings after the continued harassment from the hate page.
"The event is still going ahead and I look forward to seeing everyone in Adelaide and Perth this weekend."
Ms Cronau will now speak at Boulevard Centre in Floreat on June 25. Tickets range from $40 to $130.