UPDATE: Former Australian soap star Damien Richardson has been ordered to apologize to the Jewish community following his conviction for performing a Nazi salute during a public speech. This shocking incident occurred on September 2024 at Urban St restaurant in Melbourne and has ignited widespread outrage.
During a pre-sentence hearing at Moorabbin Magistrates Court on Thursday, magistrate Justin Foster expressed a desire to explore “restorative justice” as a potential alternative to traditional punishment, which could include a fine of up to $23,000 or a maximum of 12 months in jail. “A true Nazi supporter is not going to go to the Holocaust museum, speak to a survivor, and potentially write a letter of apology to the Jewish community,” Foster stated, emphasizing the need for accountability.
Richardson, who was delivering a speech to the National Workers Alliance, made the controversial salute amid a discussion on what he described as a “war on men” and “Western values.” Notably, members of the neo-Nazi group National Socialist Network were present in the audience. The incident was live-streamed on social media, amplifying its reach and impact.
Foster directed Richardson’s lawyer to liaise with the Executive Council of Australian Jewry to draft a court-enforceable letter of apology, indicating that this could play a significant role in a potential six to twelve-month adjourned undertaking of good behavior. He highlighted a “massive failure of leadership” in protecting the Jewish community, calling for Richardson to genuinely convey his understanding of the ramifications of his actions.
Richardson’s defense attorney, Peter Monagle, argued that the gesture was not intended to harm but rather was an artistic expression in response to media criticism. “He believed he was exercising a right to answer back to The Age in a satirical way,” Monagle claimed, though Foster dismissed this justification as “an incredibly poor way” to express dissent.
As the case continues, the court will reconvene at 2 PM to determine the next steps. The implications of this case resonate deeply within the Australian community, sparking discussions on accountability and the need for sensitivity towards historical atrocities.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
