Partner of Richmond star Maurice Rioli Jr calls out hurtful Australia Day ‘racism’

The partner of Maurice Rioli Jr said the couple has been left heartbroken by a comment as they walked through Richmond on Australia Day.

The partner of Richmond player Maurice Rioli Jr has called out hurtful “racism” and “disgusting behaviour” while heading to the tennis on Sunday.

Courtney Lee shared on social media how the couple was walking to the Australian Open along Swan Street when “a group of people walked past us with one male saying the words Happy Australia Day”.

She said she was appalled and heartbroken by the treatment of Indigenous Australians and how it affected Rioli Jr.

Courtney Lee and Maurice Rioli Jr. Pic: Instagram

“A group of people walked past us with one male saying the words “Happy Australia Day”, as though it was a normal hello or good morning when walking past a stranger,’’ Lee wrote.

“However saying this to an Indigenous Australian with direct eye contact, a head nod with a cocky laugh to follow, knowing what he had just done is not normal.

“It took me a moment to realise what just happened as I was on my phone trying to find our tennis tickets, however by this point the group and the man had walked further down Swan St.

“Shocked, it took everything in me to not turn around and say something. I’m ashamed I didn’t react on the spot and call out this disgusting behaviour. I didn’t know what to feel, especially for my partner.”

Lee said the incident had deeply affected Rioli Jr, who has a proud Indigenous family and heritage.

Maurice Rioli Jr will wear the famous number 17 guernsey for Richmond FC. Picture: Richmond FC Facebook.

“I’m not sure what makes me more frustrated,’’ she continued.

“The comment towards us on (Australia Day) of all days, or the fact that racism as a whole STILL happens on the daily from white people.

“It’s hard enough living on this earth no matter what walk of life you come from, yet to insult an Indigenous Australian when you are living on their lands appals (sic) me. I’m quite heartbroken reflecting on this. I’m so sorry to my amazing partner and all indigenous and multicultural peoples.”

Courtney Lee and Maurice Rioli Jr. Pic: Instagram

Lee and Rioli Jr, who have been together for 15 months, had been inundated with support.

“To the community we clearly have around us near and far, thank you,’’ she said.

“All of these messages really do help us navigate these emotions and validate these feelings.

“Today Maurice was unable to keep the world’s favourite smile on his face, coming home from work early because of (the) incident.

“Whilst giving him space to decompress, it hurts to see someone you care about struggle with these emotions when it relates to them just simply being who they are.

“To those who have unfollowed me for speaking up about this, you will not be missed. Those close to me know I was an advocate for Aboriginal peoples before Maurice came into my life and I’ll always continue to do so.”