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Neighbours star Damien Richardson to fight Nazi salute charge

BBG News

Previously known TV actor Damien Richardson could express doubts about the “logic behind” a Nazi salute while defending himself against the accusations in court.

The actor, 55, appeared at Moorabbin Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

In September 2024, he faced accusations for making a Nazi salute at a restaurant located in the southeastern part of Melbourne.

In court on Tuesday, it was revealed that Richardson had requested the police to propose a diversionary program for him during an upcoming hearing in June, aiming to avoid a criminal record. However, this proposal was turned down.

He has recently been accused of deliberately making a gesture linked to Nazism, understanding that this symbol represents Nazi beliefs, and this act was carried out in a publicly accessible area.

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Prosecutor Nicholas La Mattina proposed altering the phrasing of a single accusation to exclude the terms ‘symbol’ and ‘display’.

Additionally, he requested the magistrate to include the phrase “Nazi salute” within the charges, and clarified that such an action might be misconstrued as or confused with a Nazi salute, being aware that the Nazi salute signifies a specific Nazi gesture.

Judge Luisa Bazzani agreed with the modification and scheduled the case for a disputed hearing that will last for two days.

She mentioned that there were two points of discussion: Whether Richardson made a Nazi-related hand movement or salute, and if he might be excused under the Act due to his actions being motivated by a ‘sincere artistic intent’.

According to Mr. La Mattina, it’s acknowledged that the action Mr. Richardson made resembled a Nazi gesture; however, it wasn’t precisely the Nazi salute.

Defense attorney Peter Monagle stated that the client’s action was an unconsidered gesture, not intended to consider any potential consequences.

The magistrate noted that Richardson mentioned the possibility of being fined or imprisoned during his actions.

During a recent discussion, Mr. La Mattina mentioned that he might invite an authority on “the definition of a Nazi salute” to present their testimony at the upcoming hearing.

In simpler terms, if required, Mr. Monagle plans to question the witness about the specific details of what makes a gesture equivalent to a Nazi salute, such as the height at which the arm should be raised and the proper arrangement of the fingers.

During the disputed hearing, a recording lasting two hours from the incident could potentially be played back. However, Mr. Monagle plans to argue before the court that evidence regarding another speaker at the event should not be admitted, as it might unfairly influence the case’s outcome.

As a lifestyle expert, I find myself in a challenging situation similar to that of Richardson. Facing a potential fine of up to $23,000 or even 12 months behind bars, I’m preparing for a contested hearing slated for November 5 and 6. This legal hurdle is demanding my full attention as I navigate through this complex process.

In April, the actor made an appearance at the Moorabbin Magistrate’s Court following charges brought against him under Victoria’s laws that prohibit Nazi salutes.

It’s said that he was caught on camera making a Nazi salute towards a group of right-wing protesters during a gathering of the National Workers Alliance in Melbourne, Australia, in September.

NWA says it stands ‘for the preservation of Western culture and identity’.

Prior to making the gesture associated with Nazism, as reported by ABC’s 7.30, Richardson expressed his viewpoint that Australia was undergoing a conflict specifically targeting males, referring to it as a “war against men.

It appeared as though the conflict was aimed at challenging Western traditions and values, but upon closer examination, it seems to be more about targeting white males.

At that moment, Richardson gestured with his right hand, hinting at the news from last week when far-right extremist Jacob Hersant was sentenced to a month in prison for performing a Nazi salute.

‘Am I gonna be fined now? I’m gonna go to jail for five years?’ Richardson said.

Indeed, this situation seems unbelievable, almost preposterous. It appears to be quite irrational and hard to comprehend.

Following Richardson’s live-streamed salute on Facebook, supporters from the National Socialist Network neo-Nazi group were audibly applauding.

Although footage shows him interacting with neo-Nazis, the actor has attempted to disassociate himself from this group.

Matt Trihey, the one responsible for arranging the Melbourne meeting, clarified that there’s been quite a bit of incorrect information circulating regarding the event, as well as Damien and the National Workers Alliance, including himself.

He informed the ABC that neither Damien nor himself have ever belonged to any Nazi organizations, and they have no ties to the NSN.

‘I am a free speech advocate and have no control over who purchases online tickets to my events.’

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said he was ‘disgusted’ at the footage.

‘I was shocked enough when I saw the salute, disgusted when I heard the applause,’ he said.

Even though they may believe their actions were kept private, once information is shared online, it raises a new issue of whether it became public under legal terms. This is something our governing bodies will need to address.

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2025-07-16 04:04

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