Alleged perpetrator behind racist rant against indigenous artists sacked from McDonald’s job
The alleged perpetrator of a shocking racist rant against his Aboriginal neighbour has lost his franchise after video of the incident went viral. The indigenous artist targeted in the video says they have “numerous films” showing more verbal confrontations.
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A shocking video of a Mildura couple berating their Aboriginal neighbour has gone viral, with the alleged perpetrator dumped by McDonald’s in the wake of the racist rant.
Mildura artists Robby Wirramanda-Knight and Jackie Wirramanda allege that they were targeted by their neighbours, Rob Vigors and Karen Ridge, as they painted in their garage.
Police were called to the Dockside Drive home about 1am on Saturday and have since confirmed they are investigating.
“Police have spoken to all parties involved and an investigation was initiated at the time. The investigation is ongoing,” a police spokesman said.
In the racist rant caught on camera, Mr Vigors questioned the family’s Aboriginality, saying they “make a mockery” of “true” Aboriginals.
“Which one per cent of you is Aboriginal?” he said.
“You make me laugh.”
He is 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.”
Mr Vigors said “take that f****** flag down”, with Ms Ridge seen tugging at an Aboriginal flag in the artists’ front yard.
“I’m not racist. I’m not racist,” she said before adding: “Which half of you is Aboriginal? You are not Aboriginal.”
Mr Wirramanda-Knight, who runs Lake Tyrrell Art, told the Herald Sun that they had previously been subjected to verbal attacks by their neighbours.
“I’ve got numerous films of her coming up to tell me I’m a government bludger and asking why I moved here,” he said.
“To have the rant from this guy telling me I’m not Aboriginal, and then on the other hand she is trying to rip my flag down and telling me ‘f*** off and live up the river’, I had to just let them have their rant and keep my family behind me so they were safe.
Mr Wirramanda-Knight alleged that Mr Vigors later returned to the driveway to plant a 10cm screw beneath his car tyre.
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He said he called police, who arrived at the scene to take images and fingerprint the screw.
Mr Vigors is an owner/operator of Mildura McDonald’s and has since “left the system” according to a spokesman for the restaurant chain.
“McDonald’s confirms the Company has taken over the operation of the Mildura and Irymple restaurants, effective immediately, and Robert Vigors has left the system and is no longer involved,” he said.
“McDonald’s will be engaging with its employees regarding the change in arrangements, to ensure the ongoing operation of the restaurants.”
The Herald Sun contacted the couple in the wake of the video.
Ms Ridge said she did not want to comment on the incident because she fearful.
“At the moment I genuinely fear for our lives so feel it’s better to say nothing,” she said.