Former Neighbours Star Damien Richardson Found Guilty of Public Nazi Salute
Damien Richardson, known for his role in Neighbours, was found guilty of performing an illegal Nazi salute in public, though a magistrate stated he did not intend to show loyalty to Adolf Hitler.
Incident Details
The incident took place in 2024 during a speech Richardson gave to the National Workers Alliance, a group promoting "the preservation of Western culture and identity." The event, held at a Melbourne restaurant, was attended by members of the National Socialist Network, a neo-Nazi organization.
During his speech, Richardson raised his right hand and said, "Am I gonna be fined now? I'm going to go jail for five years?"
Legal Context and Court Ruling
Under Victorian laws effective from 2023, making a Nazi salute in public or showing Nazi symbols is illegal in most situations. Magistrate Justin Foster ruled Richardson guilty after the actor contested the charge from Victoria Police.
The magistrate commented, "The gesture Richardson performed clearly looked like a Nazi salute."
He confirmed the act happened in a public place and was not part of a theatrical performance, which is an exemption under the law.
"It's clearly a speech that doesn't cross over into anything artistic or theatrical," Magistrate Foster added.
The magistrate clarified that Richardson's action did not imply any loyalty, affiliation, or obedience to Adolf Hitler.
Summary
Richardson's guilty verdict highlights the strict enforcement of laws against Nazi symbolism in public, regardless of claimed intent or political context.
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