‘5 years imprisonment’ – Police investigating former Neighbours star Damien Richardson over Nazi salute performed at event
In short:
Actor Damien Richardson has been filmed doing a Nazi salute during a speech at an event.
The gesture received cheers from some in the crowd, which included members of a Neo-Nazi group.
What’s next?
Police are investigating the vision of Mr Richardson making the salute.
Warning: Distressing content.
Actor Damien Richardson is being investigated by Victoria Police after being filmed performing the Nazi salute at a September event in Melbourne where far-right activists were present.
Known to Australian audiences for his roles in Neighbours, Blue Heelers and McLeod’s Daughters, Mr Richardson performed the gesture while addressing a gathering of the National Workers Alliance (NWA).
The group stands “for the preservation of Western culture and identity”.
Mr Richardson has distanced himself from the Neo-Nazi activists at the event and says he is not a member of their movement.
In a statement to 7.30, Victoria Police confirmed their investigation.
“Police are investigating vision which shows a person performing a Nazi salute, believed to be in Victoria,” the statement read.
“The circumstances surrounding the incident are yet to be established and an investigation is ongoing.”
Prior to making the gesture, Mr Richardson had been giving a speech about racial identity and societal change.
“There is a war on men,” Mr Richardson said.
“I thought it was a war on Western tradition, Western values … and actually, it’s an anti-white-male-agenda.”
Damien Richardson gives a Nazi salute at the National Workers Alliance meeting. (Supplied.)
After this comment, Mr Richardson performed the Nazi salute.
With his hand in the air, he continued his speech: “Am I gonna be fined now? I’m gonna go to jail for five years?” He asked.
“I mean, really? I mean, this is absurd. This is insane.
“It’s crazy. It’s so crazy you can’t believe it’s even happening.”
Damien Richardson in a scene from Neighbours. (www.imdb.com)
After Mr Richardson raised his arm members, of the Neo-Nazi group the National Socialist Network (NSN), were heard cheering. The event was broadcast live on Facebook.
Home affairs minister ‘disgusted’
Tony Burke says the applause after the salute “disgusted” him. (ABC News: Ian Cutmore)
The ABC made repeated requests for comment from Mr Richardson, but the inquiry was forwarded to the organiser of the event, Matt Trihey.
“There has been a lot of misinformation spoken about the event, Damien, the National Workers Alliance and myself,” Mr Trihey said.
“Neither Damien or I have ever been members of Nazi organisations and we have no connection with the NSN. I am a free speech advocate and have no control over who purchases online tickets to my events.”
Police are investigating vision of Damien Richardson doing the salute. (Instagram: Damien Richardson)
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said authorities would have to work through the footage.
“I was shocked enough when I saw the salute, disgusted when I heard the applause,” Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke told AM and 7.30.
“They might think they did it in a private place, but the moment you put things online there’s a new legal question on whether it was done publicly, so that will be something our authorities will work through.”
