Former Neighbours star Damien Richardson charged with Nazi salute

An Australian actor has officially been charged for performing a Nazi salute at an event in Melbourne after video footage emerged.

Australian actor Damien Richardson has been charged with performing a Nazi salute at an event in Melbourne.

Victoria police allege the former Neighbours star made the hand gesture at a restaurant in McKinnon in the city’s south-east back in September, at a gathering reportedly attended by far-right activists.

Video footage of the actor, who is also known for his work in McLeod’s Daughters and Blue Heelers, emerged two months after the event which showed him addressing a group of people at the National Workers Alliance (NWA) gathering.

Aussie actor Damien Richardson has been charged with performing a Nazi salute at a Melbourne event in September.

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

In his speech, Richardson reportedly spoke 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 and his actions were reportedly met with applause from the audience.

The former Neighbours star was investigated after the meeting was livestreamed.

On Wednesday, the actor was charged by Victoria Police with performing the gesture, which was banned in 2022 by the Victorian government.

“The 54-year-old Glenroy man is expected to appear before Moorabbin Magistrates’ Court on 19 March 2025,” the statement read, as per the ABC.

“The charges follow an incident where it is alleged a person performed a Nazi salute in McKinnon on September 14.”

Victoria Police have charged the actor for the gesture, which was banned by the Victorian government in 2022 Picture: NCA NewsWire/Sarah Matray

Richardson in a scene from Neighbours. Picture: Ten

News.com.au approached Richardson and the NWA for comment when the footage came to light in November.

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

The offence carries a maximum $23,000 fine and/or 12 months jail if proven.

“This is insane,” Richardson added. “It’s crazy. It’s so crazy you can’t believe it’s even happening.”

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”.