Launceston mayor Matthew Garwood’s post with Ronnie Radke leads to serious threats to councillors

The fallout has continued after Launceston’s mayor posted a photo with a controversial rocker, who has previously served time in prison. Here’s what happened.

Launceston mayor Matthew Garwood with Ronnie Radke. Picture: Facebook

When Launceston mayor Matthew Garwood posted a photo to social media with controversial hard rocker Ronnie Radke, it triggered a chain of reactions including offensive comments and threats fired at councillors.

Last week, Mr Garwood posted a photo following a Falling In Reverse concert with Radke saying “maybe one of the most controversial characters in my generation of hard rock music scene”.

“Always a mic drop moment when I get to play the ‘mayor card’,” the post said.

“Haters keep coming strong but strength is in believing in yourself.”

American musician Radke has served more than two years in prison for violating probation conditions and has previously been arrested for domestic violence and assault in 2012. He also faced sexual assault allegations in 2015. He was not convicted of that offence.

Following Mr Garwood’s post, some Launceston councillors spoke out against the decision to associate with Radke.

At this stage the mayor publicly posted he was “disheartened that my post has caused some offence and concern”, clarifying he had not attended the concert in any official capacity as mayor.

In response to comments reported by other media outlets, this weekend Radke went on a tirade in a post to Instagram reels calling a number of councillors, particularly two females, offensive names, making serious threats and triggering fears for their safety.

Since, Mr Garwood said he had reflected over the “absolute mayhem” of the past few days.

“I am deeply alarmed to hear of serious threats towards my colleagues and concerned around the manner in which these uploads were delivered,” he posted to social media.

“The recent social media posts made by Ronnie Radke regarding City of Launceston councillors were entirely his own and do not reflect my views in any way.

“I do not condone violence or threats against anyone, and I believe in respectful discourse, even in disagreement; Which is something that I too need to be better at.”

The mayor’s explanation didn’t sit well with some residents, however, with some saying posing for the photo was an “endorsement” of Radke’s controversial views.

“I guess the thing for me is, that by attending the concert and the meet’n’greet, you have endorsed this guy,” Kathryn Pugh said. “You’ve supported him by paying for the tix and by posting about it. You do you, but recognise there are consequences. Even ones you don’t foresee or intend (and that’s also part of the problem, imo). Effectively endorsing a guy who would speak *like that* about anyone is ick. That’s the kind of guy he is.

“The standard you walk past is the standard you accept.”

Originally published as Launceston mayor Matthew Garwood’s post with Ronnie Radke leads to serious threats to councillors