Robert Vigors: Charge against former Mildura McDonald’s franchisee withdrawn
A former Mildura McDonald’s franchisee owner whose racist rant at his Aboriginal neighbours went viral has the charge against him dropped.
Mildura
Don't miss out on the headlines from Mildura. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A charge against former McDonald’s franchisee Robert Vigors, who was filmed in a viral racist confrontation with an Aboriginal neighbour, has been withdrawn.
Vigors had been charged with attempting to commit criminal damage over the December 14 incident last year, the same day the viral video was filmed.
When the matter came before Mildura Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, the court was told the charge had been withdrawn by police.
In the video, Vigors and partner Karen Ridge questioned the Aboriginality of their neighbour, artist Robby Wirramanda-Knight.
“Which one per cent of you is Aboriginal?” Vigors said.
“You make me laugh.”
He was also heard saying: “OK, you can do nice paintings and everything and I respect that worth. Don’t get me wrong, I respect that worth.
“This is the problem with this country and this is the problem with so many people in this area … people like you make a mockery of true Aboriginals.”
Ms Ridge was seen tugging at an Aboriginal flag in the artists’ front yard.
Vigors was owner and operator of the McDonald’s restaurants in Mildura and Irymple.
Within two days of the video, McDonald’s issued a statement saying it had taken control of both restaurants and Vigors was “no longer involved”.
Check out more stories at The Mildura News here
Want to become a digital subscriber? Join now on our latest offer here
Contact reporter Michael DiFabrizio
Follow us on Facebook here
MORE MILDURA NEWS:
WHO IS MILDURA’S BEST PERSONAL TRAINER?
WHY NORTHWEST VICTORIA JOB LOSSES ARE SO HIGH
MILDURA COUNCIL TO PAY BACK PARKING FINES OVER 12 YEARS
BIRDWOODTON BURNING UNDER INVESTIGATION