Police investigating former Neighbours star Damien Richardson over Nazi salute performed at event
Former Neighbors actor Damien Richardson is under investigation after he was filmed giving a Nazi salute to a crowd of far-right activists at an event in Melbourne.
Richardson, who has also starred in shows such as Blue Heelers and McLeod’s Daughters, spoke at a meeting of the National Workers Alliance in September.
NWA says it stands ‘for the preservation of Western culture and identity’.
“Police are investigating a vision of a person giving the Nazi salute, believed to be in Victoria,” Victoria Police said in a statement.
“The circumstances surrounding the incident are yet to be established and an investigation is ongoing.”
Before delivering the Nazi salute, which was revealed by ABC’s 7.30, Richardson declared Australia was experiencing “a war on men”.
“I thought it was a war against Western tradition, Western values… and actually it’s an anti-white male agenda.”
Former Neighbors actor Damien Richardson (pictured) is under investigation after he was filmed giving a Nazi salute to a crowd of far-right activists at an event in Melbourne
At that moment, Richardson raised his right arm and alluded to the fact that far-right extremist Jacob Hersant was given a one-month prison sentence last week for giving the Nazi salute.
‘Am I going to get a fine now? I’m going to jail for five years?’ said Richardson.
“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.”
After Richardson delivered the salute, which was broadcast live on Facebook, members of the National Socialist Network neo-Nazi group could be heard cheering.
Despite his actions and words being filmed, the actor has tried to distance himself from the neo-Nazis he addressed.
Matt Trihey, who organized the meeting in Melbourne, said: ‘There has been a lot of misinformation spoken about the event, Damien, the National Workers Alliance and myself.’
Damien Richardson (left) is pictured with Neighbors co-star Sharon Johal (right) on the set of the soap opera
Damien Richardson (left) is pictured in a scene from the Australian soap opera Neighbours
“Neither Damien nor I have ever been members of Nazi organizations and we have no connection with the NSN,” he told the newspaper. ABC.
‘I am a supporter of freedom of speech and have no control over who buys tickets for my events online.’
Home Secretary Tony Burke said he was “disgusted” by the images.
“I was shocked enough when I saw the salute, and disgusted when I heard the applause,” he said.
“They may think they did it in a private location, but as soon as you put things online, a new legal question arises as to whether it was done publicly, so our authorities will work on that.”
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Richardson for comment.