Damien Patrick Richardson, known for his role in the beloved Australian soap opera Neighbours, is facing legal trouble after allegedly performing a Nazi salute. This incident reportedly occurred on September 14 in McKinnon, a suburb of south-east Melbourne, leading to charges filed against the 55-year-old actor.
Richardson appeared at Moorabbin Magistrates Court, where details concerning the charges were not disclosed. During the court session, he attended on summons, and the judge set future hearing dates. His lawyer, Peter Monagle, expressed concerns about the impact this situation has had on Richardson, particularly from his neighbours, who have purportedly attempted to shame him. Monagle requested the removal of Richardson’s suburb from court documents that might be released to the media, indicating there had been public displays intended to disparage him, including posters placed at local bus stops.
Monagle highlighted that there seems to be a coordinated effort to induce a sense of shame in Richardson from some residents within his community. The next court appearance for Richardson is slated for June 20.
Richardson, who portrayed Gary Canning in Neighbours from 2014 until the show concluded in 2020, has also made appearances in other Australian television series, including Blue Heelers, McLeod’s Daughters, and Wentworth. He stepped away from acting in 2021 and attempted to enter political life in the subsequent elections, standing as an independent candidate for the Senate and later for the right-leaning Freedom Party of Victoria.
This series of events has placed Richardson in the spotlight for reasons beyond his acting career, stirring public interest and community reaction. As he prepares for his next court date, the implications of the allegations and their effect on his personal life remain a significant concern.