Australian MP Bob Katter sparked controversy after raising a fist at a journalist over remarks on his Lebanese heritage during an anti-immigration rally press conference in Queensland. Photo Source: X and Reuters
Independent Australian MP Bob Katter is caught up in a fresh controversy after a heated exchanege with a journalist who referred to his Lebanese heritage during a press conference.
Kattar called the media briefing to support an anti-immigration rally outside Queensland's state parliament. Katter firmly criticized people he claimed showcased 'anti-Australian sentiments' while holding the Australian national flag at the pro-Palestine demonstrations.
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In a viral clip, he said, “If you have anti-Australian sentiments, then get the hell out of my country, because we are taking the names down now of anyone who treats our flag badly. The gloves are coming right off now.”
Watch:
The press conference took a tense turn when Channel 9 Queensland journalist Josh Bavas mentioned Katter’s Lebanese background. Reacting angrily, Katter raised his fist and responded, “Don’t say that! Because that irritates me, and I’ve punched blokes in the mouth for saying that.”
He further accused the reporter of being a racist. “You’re a racist. You cannot say what you just said without being identified as a racist. My family have been in this country for 140 years,” he said.
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The Guardian states that Channel 9's parent company, Nine Entertainment, has demanded a public apology from the MP and is in talks about taking legal action.
This is not the first time Katter has faced criticism for controversial remarks. Back in 2017, when he was asked a question about same-sex marriages, he totally dismissed it and instead claimed, 'Every three months, a crocodile tears a person apart in North Queensland.'
