Bombshell twist in shock Carols by Candlelight protest that saw pro-Palestine demonstrators storm the stage

Investigators are investigating whether an insider who worked on Melbourne's Carols by Candlelight helped two pro-Palestinian protesters hijack the stage.

During the Christmas Eve debacle, protesters interrupted the family-friendly event, with someone waving a Palestinian flag and briefly snatching the microphone away from stunned presenters David Campbell and Sarah Abo.

The embarrassing lack of security is the subject of discussions between Arts Center Melbourne, police and sponsors.

Organizers said event staff were suspicious about how easily protesters could enter the stage, but performers were still subjected to strict security checks.

Arts Center Melbourne said in a statement: “Everyone has the right to protest peacefully, but not at the expense of the safety of others.

The demonstrators managed to unfurl the Palestinian flag next to the orchestra pit before being dragged off stage

“The matter has been reported to and is being managed by Victoria Police and it would be inappropriate to comment further.”

A 21-year-old Brunswick woman has been charged with possession of a controlled weapon after the protest, while the second protester was instructed by police to move on.

Daily Mail Australia revealed this week that the protester who took the microphone goes by the online handle @violentwaitress and is a member of the pro-Palestinian activism group Block the Dock.

The group aims to disrupt Israeli shipping lanes in protest against the country's violent retaliation to the October 7 terrorist attacks by Hamas.

The pro-Palestinian activist defended her actions when contacted by Daily Mail Australia – despite the stunt sparking intense reactions because the event is strictly apolitical.

On Instagram, she appeared to harbor a hatred of police and advocated for a range of other causes, including support for sex workers and strengthening the rights of members of the indigenous, LGBTQI and refugee communities.

The woman supports a range of other activism projects listed on her social media page

Some were furious as the family event was infiltrated by political protests (above)

In the hours following the disruption, she shared a series of posts on her Instagram Story written by fellow members of her business expressing their support during the stunt.

One post, with footage of the protest, read: 'Christmas is canceled m*****f***rs', while another from activism group Whistleblowers, Activists & Communities Alliance (WACA) read: 'Imagine before you boo a woman who says children are dying in Gaza.”

A third post also sparked online backlash after outraged parents criticized protesters for scaring children sitting in the audience with their families.

There was also a group of children who were performing on stage when the devastation unfolded and had to be rushed to safety.

“I don't care about your Christmas carols,” the third message began, with an image of the Grinch.

“And every kid in that audience will do that.” [sic] Grow up and be pro-Palestine or they will [sic] grow up and be a zionist and tbh [to be honest] We will arrange that when they are older, but at the moment they are doing well and no one is traumatized.'

To end the highlight reel, the woman shared a selfie and wrote: “Anyway I'm done goodnight xx.”

Following the protest, the woman reshared a series of posts about her stunt to her Instagram Story before signing off for the night

Furious parents later flocked online to criticize protesters for interrupting the family-friendly Christmas event.

“So disrespectful at this time of year and disgusting to subject children to this commotion,” one woman said.

“Carols by candlelight is not the right time or place,” said another.

But others praised the protesters' actions and supported the cause with one statement: “If the Palestine candlelight Christmas carols protest makes you feel uncomfortable. Good'.

Alex Ryvchin, co-CEO of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, described the protesters as “extremists”.

“You can always count on anti-Israel extremists to do everything they can and deter decent, ordinary people,” Mr. Ryvchin said.

“The chorus of boos tells them loud and clear that they are not wanted.”