Former Neighbours actor Damien Richardson has been convicted of making a Nazi salute at a gathering. The 56-year-old, known for his role as Gary Canning in the soap opera from 2014 to 2020, performed the gesture while addressing the National Workers Alliance, a group advocating for the preservation of Western culture and identity.
The incident occurred during an event at a restaurant in Melbourne attended by members of the National Socialist Network (NSN), an Australian neo-Nazi and far-right extremist group. Richardson raised his right hand during his speech, questioning the consequences by jokingly asking if he would be fined or jailed for his actions.
According to Victoria’s laws, it is illegal to make a Nazi salute or display Nazi symbols in public. Despite Richardson’s defense against the charge by Victoria Police, he was found guilty of the offense. Magistrate Justin Foster stated that Richardson’s gesture strongly resembled a Nazi salute and was not part of any theatrical performance, which could have potentially exempted him from the legal consequences.
However, the magistrate clarified that Richardson’s actions were not indicative of his allegiance to Adolf Hitler or anti-Semitic beliefs. Instead, Richardson was mocking The Age newspaper, which had previously likened him to Hitler in an article from August 2023. Foster highlighted that Richardson’s gesture was meant to debunk any association with Nazism and demonstrate his disapproval of The Age’s portrayal of him.
Despite Richardson’s explanation and efforts to address anti-Semitic sentiments at the event, the magistrate deemed the gesture as resembling a Nazi salute enough to convict him. Richardson is set to be sentenced on December 4, with the maximum penalty for the offense being a $23,000 (£11,360) fine and a 12-month jail term. Exceptions to the law include instances where Nazi symbols are used for academic, artistic, educational, scientific, or media reporting purposes.
