Neighbours actor Damien Richardson allegedly performs Nazi salute at Melbourne event

Former Neighbours actor Damien Richardson is being investigated by police after he allegedly performed a Nazi salute at a Melbourne event.

Australian actor Damien Richardson has been accused of performing a Nazi salute at a Melbourne event.

Mr Richardson, who is known for his work in Neighbours, McLeod’s Daughters and Blue Heelers, addressed a group of people at a National Workers Alliance (NWA) event in September, with footage from the gathering only being made public this week.

It’s understood the NWA is an organisation that advocates for the “preservation of Western culture and identity”.

Mr Richardson gave a speech about changes in society, and racial identity, which was broadcast live on Facebook at the time.

It is alleged he performed the gesture after giving the speech.

Damien Richardson during the meeting.

Australian actor Damien Richardson has been accused of performing a Nazi salute in Melbourne in September Picture: NewsWire/Sarah Matray

“There is a war on men,” ABC reported he said.

“I thought it was a war on Western tradition, Western values … and actually it’s an anti-white-male-agenda.”

After allegedly performing the Nazi salute, Mr Richardson asked the crowd if he was “going be fined now”.

News.com.au has approached Mr Richardson and the NWA for comment.

Sweeping new laws came into effect in October 2023, banning the Nazi salute and other hate gestures from being performed in public places.

“I’m going to go to jail for five years?” he asked, adding the penalty was “absurd”.

“This is insane,” he said.

“It’s crazy. It’s so crazy you can’t believe it’s even happening.”

Shortly after performing the salute, members of the neo-Nazi group National Socialist Network (NSN) could be heard applauding in the background.

A spokesperson for Victoria Police confirmed to Newswire they had launched an investigation into the alleged incident.

“Police are investigating vision which shows a person performing a Nazi salute, believed to be in Victoria,” the statement read.

“The circumstances surrounding the incident are yet to be established and an investigation is ongoing.”

No action has been taken.

Damien Richardson is being investigated after the meeting was livestreamed. (Supplied)

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke told ABC 7.30 he was “shocked” by the footage.

“I was shocked enough when I saw the salute, disgusted when I heard the applause,” he said.

“They might think they did it in a private place, but the moment you put things online there’s a new legal question on whether it was done publicly, so that will be something our authorities will work through.”

The creator of the NWA event denied himself and Richardson of having any connections with the neo-Nazi group NSN, instead saying he was a “free speech advocate and have no control over who purchases online tickets to my events”.

Originally published as Neighbours actor Damien Richardson allegedly performs Nazi salute at Melbourne event