Aussie behind iconic ‘succulent Chinese meal’ moment dies

Aussie behind iconic ‘succulent Chinese meal’ moment dies

Outspoken Aussie Jack Karlson, famous for his dramatic arrest while ‘eating a succulent Chinese meal’, has died aged 82. Karlson is being remembered as a ‘cultural icon’ after his brush with police in 1991 reached viral status, thanks to his profound resistance and claims of innocence.

At the time he was enjoying a meal at Brisbane’s China Sea Restaurant when he was dramatically pulled away by authorities, resulting in his iconic outburst which, some 30 years later, has become a meme sensation.

“Gentlemen, this is democracy manifest,” he’s seen and heard exclaiming as a news crew filmed the arrest. “What is the charge? Eating a meal, a succulent Chinese meal?” he continued before famously requesting for the arresting officer to “get your hand off my penis”.

Since then Karlson has maintained his innocence, blaming the arrest on a case of mistaken identity. The 82-year-old’s family not long ago announced he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Leading the online tributes was Seven Network reporter Chris Reason who first reported on the arrest in 1991. The journalist reunited with Karlson earlier this year some 33 years after the incident.

Taking to X on Thursday morning following the news of his death, Reason confirmed the “sad news.”

“Mr Democracy Manifest has died. The cultural icon, whose arrest inspired a thousand t-shirts and millions of downloads, had advanced cancer. His immortal words will echo thru generations: “What is the charge..eating a meal, a succulent Chinese meal?!!” Okay Jack Karlson,” he wrote.

Others agreed he offered “many laughs” for people across the country and the world, thanks to the memorable moment caught on camera.

In a GoFundMe fundraiser set up by Karlson’s niece in June, following the news of his cancer, he was described as being “generous” to his friends and family. Last week it was updated to say “things aren’t looking good.”

“I know Jack’s video has given a lot of people joy and he has inspired many memes, T-shirts and other things over the years but Jack himself is doing it quite tough,” his niece wrote.

“He has never had much money but has always been generous to family and friends. He lives week to week in regional QLD with the help of a voluntary carer.

“Hoping people can dig deep – I think he’s worth at least a beer, maybe even a 6-pack.”

with NCA Newswire

Do you have a story tip? E-mail: [email protected].

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and Youtube.